Implantable damping devices for treating dementia and associated systems and methods of use

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems, and methods for reducing stress on a blood vessel are disclosed herein. A damping device (100) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include an anchoring member (104) coupled to a flexible, compliant damping member (102) including a generally tubular sidewall having an outer surface (115), an inner surface (113) defining a lumen configured to direct blood flow, a first end portion (106) and a second end portion (108), and a damping region (120) between the first and second end portions (106, 108). The inner and outer surfaces (113, 115) of the damping member (102) can be spaced apart by a distance that is greater at the damping region (120) than at either of the first or second end portions (106, 108). When blood flows through the damping member (102) during systole, the damping member (102) absorbs a portion of the pulsatile energy of the blood, thereby reducing a magnitude of the pulse pressure transmitted to a portion of the blood vessel distal to the damping device (100).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 U.S. National Phase application ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/AU2016/050734, filed Aug. 12,2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/341,575, filed on May 25, 2016, entitled “IMPLANTABLE DAMPING DEVICESFOR TREATING DEMENTIA AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE,” andAustralian Patent Application No. 2015903253, filed on Aug. 13, 2015,entitled “DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TREATING A BLOOD VESSEL,” the contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to implantable damping devices fortreating dementia and associated systems and methods of use. Inparticular, the present technology is directed to damping devices fortreating an artery.

BACKGROUND

The heart supplies oxygenated blood to the body through a network ofinterconnected, branching arteries starting with the largest artery inthe body—the aorta. As shown in the schematic view of the heart andselected arteries in FIG. 1A, the portion of the aorta closest to theheart is divided into three regions: the ascending aorta (where theaorta initially leaves the heart and extends in a superior direction),the aortic arch, and the descending aorta (where the aorta extends in aninferior direction). Three major arteries branch from the aorta alongthe aortic arch: the brachiocephalic artery, the left common carotidartery, and the left subclavian artery. The brachiocephalic arteryextends away from the aortic arch and subsequently divides into theright common carotid artery, which supplies oxygenated blood to the headand neck, and the right subclavian artery, which predominantly suppliesblood to the right arm. The left common carotid artery extends away fromthe aortic arch and supplies the head and neck. The left subclavianartery extends away from the aortic arch and predominantly suppliesblood to the left arm. Each of the right common carotid artery and theleft common carotid artery subsequently branches into separate internaland external carotid arteries.

During the systole stage of a heartbeat, contraction of the leftventricle forces blood into the ascending aorta that increases thepressure within the arteries (known as systolic blood pressure). Thevolume of blood ejected from the left ventricle creates a pressurewave—known as a pulse wave—that propagates through the arteriespropelling the blood. The pulse wave causes the arteries to dilate, asshown schematically in FIG. 1B. When the left ventricle relaxes (thediastole stage of a heartbeat), the pressure within the arterial systemdecreases (known as diastolic blood pressure), which allows the arteriesto contract.

The difference between the systolic blood pressure and the diastolicblood pressure is the “pulse pressure,” which generally is determined bythe magnitude of the contraction force generated by the heart, the heartrate, the peripheral vascular resistance, and diastolic “run-off” (e.g.,the blood flowing down the pressure gradient from the arteries to theveins), amongst other factors. High flow organs, such as the brain, areparticularly sensitive to excessive pressure and flow pulsatility. Toensure a relatively consistent flow rate to such sensitive organs, thewalls of the arterial vessels expand and contract in response to thepressure wave to absorb some of the pulse wave energy. As thevasculature ages, however, the arterial walls lose elasticity, whichcauses an increase in pulse wave speed and wave reflection through thearterial vasculature. Arterial stiffening impairs the ability of thecarotid arteries and other large arteries to expand and dampen flowpulsatility, which results in an increase in systolic pressure and pulsepressure. Accordingly, as the arterial walls stiffen over time, thearteries transmit excessive force into the distal branches of thearterial vasculature.

Research suggests that consistently high systolic pressure, pulsepressure, and/or change in pressure over time (dP/dt) increases the riskof dementia, such as vascular dementia (e.g., an impaired supply ofblood to the brain or bleeding within the brain). Without being bound bytheory, it is believed that high pulse pressure can be the root cause oran exacerbating factor of vascular dementia and age-related dementia(e.g., Alzheimer's disease). As such, the progression of vasculardementia and age-related dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) may alsobe affected by the loss of elasticity in the arterial walls and theresulting stress on the cerebral vessels. Alzheimer's Disease, forexample, is generally associated with the presence of neuritic plaquesand tangles in the brain. Recent studies suggest that increased pulsepressure, increased systolic pressure, and/or an increase in the rate ofchange of pressure (dP/dt) may, over time, cause microbleeds within thebrain that may contribute to the neuritic plaques and tangles.Accordingly, there is a need for improved devices, systems, and methodsfor treating vascular and/or age-related dementia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustratingclearly the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a human heart and a portion ofthe arterial system near the heart.

FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of a pulse wave propagating along ablood vessel.

FIG. 2A is a front view of a damping device in accordance with thepresent technology, shown in a deployed, relaxed state.

FIG. 2B is a front cross-sectional view of the damping device shown inFIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a front cross-sectional view of the damping device shown inFIG. 2A, shown in a deployed state positioned within a blood vessel.

FIG. 2D is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of adamping device in accordance with the present technology, shown in adeployed, relaxed state

FIGS. 2E-2G are front cross-sectional views of several embodiments ofdamping members in accordance with the present technology, all shown ina deployed, relaxed state.

FIG. 3A is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of adamping device in accordance with the present technology shown in adeployed, relaxed state.

FIGS. 3B-3D are front cross-sectional views of several embodiments ofdamping members in accordance with the present technology, all shown ina deployed, relaxed state.

FIG. 4A is a front view of a damping device in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present technology, shown in a deployed, relaxedstate.

FIG. 4B is a front cross-sectional view of the damping device shown inFIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a front cross-sectional view of the damping device shown inFIG. 4A, shown in a deployed state positioned within a blood vessel.

FIG. 4D is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of a damping memberin accordance with the present technology showing deformation of thedamping member (in dashed lines) in response to a pulse wave.

FIG. 4E is a front cross-sectional view of a portion of another dampingmember in accordance with the present technology showing deformation ofthe damping member (in dashed lines) in response to a pulse wave.

FIGS. 5-7 are front cross-sectional views of several embodiments ofdamping devices in accordance with the present technology.

FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate a method of delivering a damping device to anartery in accordance with the present technology.

FIGS. 9A-9F are schematic cross-sectional views of several embodimentsof damping members in accordance with the present technology.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are front cross-sectional views of embodiments ofdamping devices shown positioned at or near a resected blood vessel inaccordance with the present technology.

FIG. 12A is a front view of a helical damping device in accordance withthe present technology, shown positioned around a blood vessel in adeployed, relaxed state.

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the damping device of FIG. 12A(taken along line 12B-12B in FIG. 12A), shown positioned around theblood vessel as a pulse pressure wave travels through the vessel.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show different embodiments of a wrapped damping device,each shown positioned around a blood vessel in accordance with thepresent technology.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dampingdevice in accordance with the present technology.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a damping devicein accordance with the present technology.

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the damping device shown in FIG.16A, taken along line 16B-16B.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a damping devicein accordance with the present technology.

FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the damping device shown in FIG.17A.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a damping devicein accordance with the present technology.

FIG. 18B is a front view of the damping device shown in FIG. 18A, shownin a deployed state positioned around a blood vessel.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a damping device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present technology, shown in an unwrappedstate.

FIG. 19B is a top view of the damping device shown in FIG. 19A, shown inan unwrapped state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology is directed to implantable damping devices fortreating or slowing the progression of dementia, which includes bothvascular dementia and age-related dementia, and associated systems andmethods of use. Some embodiments of the present technology, for example,are directed to damping devices including an anchoring member and aflexible, compliant damping member having an outer surface and an innersurface defining a lumen configured to direct blood flow. The innersurface is configured such that a cross-sectional dimension of the lumenvaries. For example, the outer surface and the inner surface can beseparated from each other by a distance that varies along the length ofthe damping member. The damping member can further include a first endportion, a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and adamping region between the first and second end portions. The distancebetween the outer surface and the inner surface of the damping membercan be greater at the damping region than at either of the first orsecond end portions. When blood flows through the damping member duringsystole, the damping member absorbs a portion of the pulsatile energy ofthe blood to reduce the magnitude of the pulse pressure transmitted to aportion of the blood vessel distal to the damping device. Specificdetails of several embodiments of the technology are described belowwith reference to FIGS. 2A-19B.

With regard to the terms “distal” and “proximal” within thisdescription, unless otherwise specified, the terms can reference arelative position of the portions of a damping device and/or anassociated delivery device with reference to an operator, direction ofblood flow through a vessel, and/or a location in the vasculature. Forexample, in referring to a delivery catheter suitable to deliver andposition various damping devices described herein, “proximal” refers toa position closer to the operator of the device or an incision into thevasculature, and “distal” refers to a position that is more distant fromthe operator of the device or further from the incision along thevasculature (e.g., the end of the catheter).

As used herein, “artery” and “arteries that supply blood to the brain,”include any arterial blood vessel (or portion thereof) that providesoxygenated blood to the brain. For example, “arteries” or “arteries thatsupply blood to the brain” can include the ascending aorta, the aorticarch, the brachiocephalic trunk, the right common carotid artery, theleft common carotid artery, the left and right internal carotidarteries, the left and right external carotid arteries, and/or anybranch and/or extension of any of the arterial vessels described above.

I. SELECTED INTRAVASCULAR EMBODIMENTS OF DAMPING DEVICES

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a front view and a front cross-sectional view,respectively, of a damping device 100 configured in accordance with thepresent technology shown in an expanded or deployed state. FIG. 2C is afront view of the damping device 100 in a deployed state positioned in acarotid artery CA (e.g., the left or right carotid artery). Referring toFIGS. 2A-2C together, the damping device 100 includes a flexible,viscoelastic damping member 102 (e.g., a cushioning member) andanchoring members 104 (identified individually as first and secondanchoring members 104 a and 104 b, respectively). The damping member 102includes an undulating or hourglass-shaped sidewall having an outersurface 115 and an inner surface 113 (FIGS. 2B and 2C) that defines alumen 114 configured to receive blood flow therethrough. The outersurface 115 is separated from the inner surface 113 by a distance t(FIG. 2B). The damping member 102 has a length L, a first end portion106, and a second end portion 108 opposite the first end portion 106along its length L, and a damping region 120 between the first endportion 106 and the second end portion 108. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A-2C, the distance t between the outer and inner surfaces 115 and113 varies along the length L of the damping member 102 when it is in adeployed, relaxed state. In some embodiments, the distance t between theouter and inner surfaces 115 and 113, on average, can be greater at thedamping region 120 than at either of the first or second end portions106, 108. In other embodiments, the damping member 102 can have othersuitable shapes (for example, FIGS. 2E-2G), sizes, and/orconfigurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 2D, the distance t betweenthe outer and inner surfaces 115 and 113 may be generally constant alongthe length of the damping member 102 and/or the damping region 120 whenthe damping member 102 is in a deployed, relaxed state.

The damping member 102 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C is a solid piece of materialthat is molded, extruded, or otherwise formed into the desired shape.The damping member 102 can be made of a biocompatible, compliant,viscoelastic material that is configured to deform in response to localfluid pressure in the artery. As the damping member 102 deforms, thedamping member 102 absorbs a portion of the pulse pressure. The dampingmember 102, for example, can be made of a biocompatible syntheticelastomer, such as silicone rubber (VMQ), Tufel I and Tufel IIIelastomers (GE Advanced Materials, Pittsfield, Mass.), Sorbothane®(Sorbothane, Incorporated, Kent, Ohio), and others. The damping member102 can be flexible and elastic such that the inner diameter ID of thedamping member 102 at the damping region 120 increases as a systolicpressure wave propagates through the damping region 120. For example, asystolic pressure wave may push the inner surface 113 radiallyoutwardly, thus forcing a portion of the outer surface 115 to alsodeform radially outwardly. Additionally, the damping member 102 can alsooptionally be compressible such that the distance t between the innerand outer surfaces 115 and 113 decreases to further open the innerdiameter ID of the damping region 120 as the systolic pressure waveengages the damping region 120. For example, a systolic pressure wavemay push the inner surface 113 radially outwardly while the contour ofthe outer surface 115 remains generally unaffected.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the anchoring members 104 a-104b individually comprise a generally cylindrical structure configured toexpand from a low-profile state to a deployed state in apposition withthe blood vessel wall. Each of the anchoring members 104 a-b can be astent formed from a laser cut metal, such as a superelastic material(e.g., Nitinol) or stainless steel. All or a portion of each of theanchoring members can include a radiopaque coating to improvevisualization of the device during delivery, and/or the anchoringmembers may include one or more radiopaque markers. In otherembodiments, the individual anchoring members 104 a-104 b can comprise amesh or woven (e.g., a braid) construction in addition to or in place ofa laser cut stent. For example, the individual anchoring members 104a-104 b can include a tube or braided mesh formed from a plurality offlexible wires or filaments arranged in a diamond pattern or otherconfiguration. In some embodiments, all or a portion of one or both ofthe anchoring members 104 a-104 b can be covered by a graft material(such as Dacron) to promote sealing with the vessel wall. Additionally,all or a portion of one or both anchoring members can include one ormore biomaterials.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the anchoring members 104 a-104b are positioned around the damping member 102 at the first and secondend portions 106, 108, respectively. As such, in this embodiment, theouter diameter OD of the damping member 102 is less than the innerdiameter of the anchoring members 104 a-104 b. Also in the embodimentshown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the anchoring members 104 a-104 b are positionedaround the damping member 102 only at the first and second end portions106, 108, respectively. As such, in several embodiments of the presenttechnology, the damping region 120 of the damping member 120 is notsurrounded by a stent-like structure or braided material. In otherembodiments, the anchoring members 104 and damping member 102 may haveother suitable configurations. For example, the anchoring members 104a-104 b may be positioned at other locations along the length L of thedamping member 102, though not along the full length of the dampingmember 102. Also, in some embodiments, all or a portion of one or bothanchoring members 104 a-104 b may be positioned radially outwardly ofall or a portion of the damping member 102. Although the damping device100 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B includes two anchoring members 104 a-104 b, inother embodiments the damping device 100 can have more or feweranchoring members (e.g., one anchoring member, three anchoring members,four anchoring members, etc.).

In some embodiments, a biocompatible gel or liquid may be locatedbetween the wall of the artery A and the outer surface 115 of thedamping member 102 to prevent the ingression of blood into the voiddefined between the first anchoring member 104 a, the second anchoringmember 104 b, the damping member 102, and the inner wall of the arteryCA. Alternatively, air or another gas may be located between theinternal wall of the carotid artery CA and the damping member 102 toprevent the ingression of blood into the void.

FIG. 3A is a front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of adamping device 100′ in accordance with the present technology. Theembodiment of the damping device 100′ shown in FIG. 3A is similar to theembodiment of the damping device 100 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, and likereference numbers refer to like components in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. 3A.As shown in FIG. 3A, the damping device 100′ includes an inner dampingmember 102 and an outer layer 130 surrounding the damping member 102.The outer layer 130 has an outer surface 131 and, in the embodimentshown in FIG. 3A, the first and second anchoring members 104 a-b areattached to the outer surface 131. At least along the damping region120, the outer layer 130 is spaced apart from the outer surface 115 ofthe damping member 102 to form a chamber 132. The chamber 132 can be atleast partially filled with a fluid, such as a gas, liquid, or gel. Thedevice 100′ has a length L and a distance d between the outer surface131 of the outer layer 130 and the inner surface 113 of the dampingmember 102. Along the damping region 120, the distance d between theouter and inner surfaces 131 and 113 increases then decreases in aradial direction when the damping member 102 is in a deployed, relaxedstate. On average, the distance d between the outer surface 131 and theinner surface 113 of the damping member 102 is greater at the dampingregion 120 than at either of the first or second end portions 106, 108.As a result, the diameter ID of the lumen 114 varies along the length L.For example, the outer surface 131 and/or the outer layer 130 can begenerally cylindrical in an unbiased state, and the inner surface 113and/or the damping member 102 can have an undulating or hourglass shape.In other embodiments, the outer surface 131 and/or the outer layer 130can be other suitable shapes, and the inner surface 113 and/or thedamping member 102 can be other suitable shapes (FIGS. 3B-3D).

In some embodiments, instead of the damping device 100′ having aseparate outer layer 130, the damping member 102 can be molded, formed,or otherwise extruded to enclose a cavity. For example, as shown inFIGS. 3B-3D, the damping member 102′ can include an inner layer 116, anouter layer 118, and a cavity 119 therebetween. The cavity 119 can be atleast partially filled with a fluid, such as a gas, liquid, or gel.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a front view and a front cross-sectional view,respectively, of another embodiment of a damping device 200 configuredin accordance with the present technology shown in an expanded ordeployed state. FIG. 4C is a front cross-sectional view of the dampingdevice 200 in a deployed state positioned in a carotid artery (e.g., theleft or right carotid artery). Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C together, thedamping device 200 includes a flexible, viscoelastic damping member 202(e.g., a cushioning member) and anchoring members 204 (identifiedindividually as first and second anchoring members 204 a-204 b,respectively). As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the damping member 202includes a generally tubular sidewall having a cylindrical outer surface210 and an inner surface 212 that defines a lumen 214 configured toreceive blood flow therethrough. The outer surface 210 is separated fromthe inner surface 212 by a distance t (FIG. 4B). The damping member 202has a length L, a first end portion 206, and a second end portion 208opposite the first end portion 206 along its length L, and a dampingregion 220 between the first end portion 206 and the second end portion208. Along the damping region 220, the distance t between the outer andinner surfaces 210 and 212 increases then decreases in a radialdirection when the damping member 202 is in a deployed, relaxed state.On average, the distance t between the outer and inner surfaces 210 and212 of the damping member 202 is greater at the damping region 220 thanat either of the first or second end portions 206, 208. As a result, theinner diameter ID of the damping member 202 varies along its length Lrelative to the outer diameter OD of the damping member 202. Forexample, the outer surface 210 can be generally cylindrical in anunbiased state, and the inner surface 212 can have an undulating orhourglass shape. As described in greater detail below with respect toFIGS. 9A-9F, the damping member 202 can have other suitable shapes,sizes, and/or configurations.

The damping member 202 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C is a solid piece of materialthat is molded, extruded, or otherwise formed into the desired shape.The damping member 202 can be made of a biocompatible, compliant,viscoelastic material that is configured to deform in response to localfluid pressure in the artery. As the damping member 202 deforms, thedamping member 202 absorbs a portion of the pulse pressure. The dampingmember 202, for example, can be made of a biocompatible syntheticelastomer, such as silicone rubber (VMQ), Tufel I and Tufel IIIelastomers (GE Advanced Materials, Pittsfield, Mass.), Sorbothane®(Sorbothane, Incorporated, Kent, Ohio), and others. The damping member202 can be flexible and elastic such that the inner diameter ID of thedamping member 202 at the damping region 220 increases as a systolicpressure wave P (FIG. 4D) propagates through the damping region 220. Forexample, as shown schematically in the isolated, cross-sectional view ofa portion of a damping member 202 before and during deformation (dampingmember 202′, shown in dashed lines) in FIG. 4D, the systolic pressurewave P may push the inner surface 212′ radially outwardly, thus forcinga portion of the outer surface 210′ to also deform radially outwardly.Additionally, the damping member 202 can also optionally be compressiblesuch that the distance t between the inner and outer surfaces 210 and212 decreases to further open the inner diameter ID of the dampingregion 220 as the systolic pressure wave P engages the damping region220. For example, as shown schematically in the isolated,cross-sectional view of a portion of a damping member 202 before andduring deformation (damping member 202′, shown in dashed lines) in FIG.4E, the systolic pressure wave P may push the inner surface 212′radially outwardly while the contour of the outer surface 210′ remainsgenerally unaffected.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the anchoring members 204 a-204b individually comprise a generally cylindrical structure configured toexpand from a low-profile state to a deployed state in apposition withthe blood vessel wall. Each of the anchoring members 204 a-b can be astent formed from a laser cut metal, such as a superelastic material(e.g., Nitinol) or stainless steel. All or a portion of each of theanchoring members can include a radiopaque coating to improvevisualization of the device during delivery, and/or the anchoringmembers may include one or more radiopaque markers. In otherembodiments, the individual anchoring members 204 a-204 b can comprise amesh or woven (e.g., a braid) construction in addition to or in place ofa laser cut stent. For example, the individual anchoring members 204a-204 b can include a tube or braided mesh formed from a plurality offlexible wires or filaments arranged in a diamond pattern or otherconfiguration. In some embodiments, all or a portion of one or both ofthe anchoring members 204 a-204 b can be covered by a graft material(such as Dacron) to promote sealing with the vessel wall.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the anchoring members 204 a-204b are positioned around the damping member 202 at the first and secondend portions 206, 208, respectively. As such, in this embodiment, theouter diameter OD (FIG. 4A) of the damping member 202 is less than theinner diameter of the anchoring members 204 a-204 b. Also in theembodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the anchoring members 204 a-204 b arepositioned around the damping member 202 only at the first and secondend portions 206, 208, respectively. As such, in several embodiments ofthe present technology, the damping region 220 of the damping member 220is not surrounded by a stent-like structure or braided material. Inother embodiments, the anchoring members 204 a-204 b and damping member202 may have other suitable configurations. For example, the anchoringmembers 204 a-204 b may be positioned at other locations along thelength L of the damping member 202, though not along the full length ofthe damping member 202. Also, in some embodiments, all or a portion ofone or both anchoring members 204 a-204 b may be positioned radiallyoutwardly of all or a portion of the damping member 202. Although thedamping device 200 shown in FIGS. 4A-4B includes two anchoring members204 a-204 b, in other embodiments the damping device 200 can have moreor fewer anchoring members (e.g., one anchoring member, three anchoringmembers, four anchoring members, etc.).

In some embodiments, one or both of the anchoring members 204 a-204 bcan optionally include one or more fixation elements 205 (FIG. 4B)configured to engage the blood vessel wall. The fixation elements 205can include, for example, one or more hooks or barbs that, in thedeployed state, extend outwardly away from the corresponding frames ofthe anchoring member 204 a-204 b to penetrate the vessel wall at thetreatment site. In these and other embodiments, one or more of thefixation elements can be atraumatic. Additionally, referring to thedamping device 200A shown in FIG. 5, in certain embodiments the dampingdevice 200 may not include a stent-type or braid-type anchoring member,but rather the frame of the anchoring members 204 can be one or moreexpandable rings 230. For example, in some embodiments the dampingdevice 200 can include two rings 230, each attached to a respective endportion 206 and 208, and the plurality of fixation elements 205 canextend outwardly from the rings 230. In still other embodiments, such asthe damping device 200B shown in FIG. 6, the anchoring members 204 canbe integral portions of the end portions 206, 208, such as thick wallportions 240 a-b of the damping member 202 that extend radially outwardfrom the outer wall of the damping region 220, instead of separate metalor polymeric components. In this embodiment, the fixation elements 205can extend outwardly from integral anchoring members 240 a-b at thefirst and second end portions 206, 208 of the damping member 202. Whenthe damping device 200 is in a deployed state, the fixation elements 205extend outwardly away from the outer surface of the damping member 202to engage vessel wall tissue. In yet other embodiments, the fixationelements 205 can extend outwardly from the outer surface 210 of thedamping member 202, as shown in the damping device 200C of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate a method for positioning a damping device of thepresent disclosure at a treatment location within an artery A (such asthe left and/or right common carotid artery CA). Although FIGS. 8B-8Edepict the damping device 200 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the methods andsystems described with respect to FIGS. 8A-8E can be utilized for any ofthe damping devices 100, 100′, 200, 200A, 200B, and 200C described withrespect to FIGS. 2A-7 and FIGS. 9A-9F.

As shown in FIG. 8A, a guidewire 602 may first be advancedintravascularly to the treatment site from an access site, such as afemoral or a radial artery. A guide catheter 604 may then be advancedalong the guidewire 602 until at least a distal portion of the guidecatheter 604 is positioned at the treatment site. In these and otherembodiments, a rapid-exchange technique may be utilized. In someembodiments, the guide catheter 604 may have a pre-shaped or steerabledistal end portion to direct the guide catheter 604 through one or morebends in the vasculature. For example, the guide catheter 604 shown inFIGS. 8A-8E has a curved distal end portion configured to navigatethrough the ascending aorta AA and preferentially bend or flex at theleft and/or right common carotid artery A to direct the guide catheter604 into the artery A.

Image guidance, e.g., computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy,angiography, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherencetomography (OCT), or another suitable guidance modality, or combinationsthereof, may be used to aid the clinician's positioning and manipulationof the damping device 200. For example, a fluoroscopy system (e.g.,including a flat-panel detector, x-ray, or c-arm) can be rotated toaccurately visualize and identify the target treatment site. In otherembodiments, the treatment site can be determined using IVUS, OCT,and/or other suitable image mapping modalities that can correlate thetarget treatment site with an identifiable anatomical structure (e.g., aspinal feature) and/or a radiopaque ruler (e.g., positioned under or onthe patient) before delivering the damping device 200. Further, in someembodiments, image guidance components (e.g., IVUS, OCT) may beintegrated with the delivery catheter and/or run in parallel with thedelivery catheter to provide image guidance during positioning of thedamping device 200.

Once the guide catheter 604 is positioned at the treatment site, theguidewire 602 may be withdrawn. As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, a deliveryassembly 610 carrying the damping device 200 may then be advanceddistally through the guide catheter 604 to the treatment site. In someembodiments, the delivery assembly 610 includes an elongated shaft 612having an atraumatic distal tip 614 (FIG. 8B) and an expandable member616 (e.g., an inflatable balloon, an expandable cage, etc.) positionedaround a distal portion of the elongated shaft 612. The damping device200 can be positioned around the expandable member 616. As shown in FIG.8D, expansion or inflation of the expandable member 616 forces at leasta portion of the damping device 200 radially outwardly into contact withthe arterial wall. In some embodiments, the delivery assembly 610 caninclude a distal expandable member for deploying a distal portion of thedamping device 200, and a proximal expandable member for deploying aproximal portion of the damping device 200. In other embodiments, theentire length of the damping device 200 may be expanded at the same timeby deploying one or more expandable members.

In some procedures the clinician may want to stretch or elongate thedamping device 200 before deploying the proximal second anchoring member204 b against the arterial wall. To address this need, the deliveryassembly 610 and/or damping device 200 can optionally include atensioning mechanism for pulling or providing a tensile stress on thesecond anchoring member 204 b, thereby increasing the length of thedamping member 202 and/or a distance between the first and second andanchoring members 204 a, 204 b. For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, thesecond anchoring member 204 b can include one or more coupling portions205 (e.g., one or more eyelets extending proximally from the anchoringframe) and one or more coupling members 618 (e.g., a suture, a thread, afilament, a tether, etc.) extending between the second anchoring member204 b and a proximal portion (not shown) of the delivery assembly 610(e.g., a handle). The coupling members 618 are configured to releasablyengage the coupling portions 205 to mechanically couple the secondanchoring member 204 b to a proximal portion of the delivery assembly610. A clinician can apply a tensile force to the coupling member 618 toelongate the damping device 200 and/or damping member 202 and adjust thelongitudinal position of the second anchoring member 204 b. Once thesecond anchoring member 204 b is positioned at a desired longitudinalposition relative to the first anchoring member 204 a and/or the localanatomy, the second anchoring member 204 b can be expanded into contactwith the arterial wall (e.g., via deployment of one or more expandablemembers). Before, during, and/or after expansion of the second anchoringmember 204 b, the coupling member(s) 618 may be disengaged from thesecond anchoring member 204 b. For example, in some embodiments, theoperator can force the coupling members 618 to break along their lengthsby applying a tensile force that is less than a force that would berequired to dislodge one or both of the first and second anchoringmembers 204 a, 204 b. Once disengaged from the second anchoring member204 b and/or the damping device 200, the coupling member(s) 618 can thenbe withdrawn from the treatment site through the guide catheter 604.

In other embodiments, other tensioning mechanisms may be utilized. Forexample, in some embodiments, the damping device 200 includes areleasable clasp, ring, or hook which is selectively releasable by theoperator. The clasp, ring or hook may be any type that permitssecurement of the thread to the second anchoring member 204 b, and whichcan be selectively opened or released to disengage the thread from thesecond anchoring member 204 b. The releasing can be controlled by theclinician from an extracorporeal location. Although the tensioningmechanism is described herein with respect to the second anchoringmember 204 b, it will be appreciated that other portions of the dampingdevice 200 and/or the delivery assembly 610 (such as the first anchoringmember 204 a) can be coupled to a tensioning mechanism.

In certain embodiments, the damping member 202 and/or individualanchoring members 204 a, 204 b may be self-expanding. For example, thedelivery assembly 610 can include a delivery sheath (not shown) thatsurrounds and radially constrains the damping device 200 during deliveryto the treatment site. Upon reaching the treatment site, the deliverysheath may be at least partially withdrawn or retracted to allow thedamping member 202 and/or the individual anchoring members 204 a, 204 bto expand. In some embodiments, expansion of the anchoring members 204may drive expansion of the damping member 202. For example, theanchoring members 204 may be fixedly attached to the damping member 202,and expansion of one or both anchoring 204 pulls or pushes (depending onthe relative positioning of the damping member 202 and anchoring members204) the damping member 202 radially outwardly.

As best shown in FIG. 8C, once the damping device 200 is positioned atthe treatment site (e.g., in a left or right common carotid artery),oxygenated blood ejected from the left ventricle flows through the lumen214 of the damping member 202. As the blood contacts the damping region220 of the damping member 202, the damping region 220 deforms to absorba portion of the pulsatile energy of the blood, which reduces amagnitude of a pulse pressure transmitted to the portions of the arterydistal to the damping device 200 (such as the more-sensitive cerebralarteries). The damping region 202 acts a pressure limiter thatdistributes the pressure of the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle moreevenly downstream from the damping device 200 without undulycompromising the volume of blood flow through the damping device 200.Accordingly, the damping device 200 reduces the pulsatile stress ondownstream portions of the arterial network to prevent or at leastpartially reduce the manifestations of vascular dementia and/orage-related dementia.

In some procedures, it may be beneficial to deliver multiple dampingdevices 200 to multiple arterial locations. For example, after deployinga first damping device 200 at a first arterial location (e.g., the leftor right common carotid artery, an internal or external carotid artery,the ascending aorta, etc.), the clinician may then position and deploy asecond damping device 200 at a second arterial location different thanthe first arterial location (e.g., the left or right common carotidartery, an internal or external carotid artery, the ascending aortaetc.). In a particular application, a first damping device is deployedin the left common carotid artery and the second damping device isdeployed in the right common carotid artery. In other embodiments, twoor more damping devices 200 may be delivered simultaneously.

In some embodiments, an additional stent of larger diameter may beplaced within the vessel prior to deployment of the damping device 200to expand the diameter of the vessel in preparation for the device.Subsequently, the damping device 200 can be deployed within the largerstent. This may assist to reduce impact on the residual diameter of thevessel, and thereby reduce impact on blood flow rate.

FIGS. 9A-9F are schematic cross-sectional views of several embodimentsof damping members in accordance with the present technology. Likereference numbers refer to similar or identical components in FIGS.2A-9F. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the inner surface 212 of thedamping member 202 is curved along its entire length. The distancebetween the outer surface 210 and the inner surface 212 graduallyincreases then decreases in a distal direction. As such, the dampingregion 220 extends the entire length of the damping member 202. FIGS. 9Band 9C illustrate embodiments of the damping member 202 in which theinner surface 212 has a series of damping regions 220 defined byundulations in the inner surface 212. In these embodiments, the distancet increases, then decreases, then increases, then decreases, etc. in adistal direction. In FIG. 9B, the damping regions 220 are generallylinear, while in FIG. 9C, the damping regions 220 are generally curved.FIGS. 9D-9E illustrate embodiments of damping members 202 having dampingregions 220 comprising an annular ring projecting radially inwardly intothe lumen 214. One or more portions of the annular ring may flex in alongitudinal direction in response to blood flow. As shown in FIG. 9F,in some embodiments the damping member 220 can comprise two or moreopposing leaflets 221.

II. SELECTED RESECTION EMBODIMENTS OF DAMPING DEVICES

FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic cross-sectional views of severalembodiments of damping devices in accordance with the presenttechnology. Like reference numbers refer to similar or identicalcomponents in FIGS. 2A-15. FIG. 10, for example, shows a damping device1000 comprising only the damping member 202. A portion of the arterialwall A may be resected, and the damping member 202 may be coupled to theopen ends of the resected artery (e.g., via sutures 1002) such that thedamping member 202 spans the resected portion of the artery A. In someembodiments, the damping member 202 may have a generally cylindricalshape with a constant wall thickness, as shown in FIG. 11. In suchembodiments, an inner diameter ID of the damping member 202 may begenerally constant along the length of the damping member 202. Inoperation, the damping devices 1000 and 1100 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11are highly flexible, elastic members that expand radially outward as thesystolic pressure wave passes through the damping devices 1000 and 1100.Since the resected portions of the arterial wall A cannot limit theexpansion of the damping devices 1000 and 1100, these devices can expandmore than the native arterial wall A to absorb more energy from theblood flow.

III. SELECTED ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS OF DAMPING DEVICES

FIGS. 12A-19B illustrate additional embodiments of damping devicesconfigured in accordance with the present technology. For example, FIG.12A shows a damping device 1200 comprising a damping member 1202 coupledto anchoring members 1204 a and 1204 b at its proximal and distal endportions. The damping member 1202 comprises a strand 1203 having apre-set helical configuration such that, in a deployed state, the strand1203 forms a generally tubular structure defining a lumen extendingtherethrough. The tubular structure has an inner surface 1209 (FIG. 12B)and an outer surface 1211. The strand 1203 may be formed of any suitablebiocompatible material such as one or more elastic polymers that areconfigured to stretch in response to the radially outward forces exertedby the pulse wave on the helical strand. In some embodiments, the strand1203 may additionally or alternatively include one or more metals suchas stainless steel and/or a superelastic and/or shape memory alloy, suchas Nitinol. In a particular embodiment, the damping member 1202 may befabricated from a recombinant human protein such as tropo-elastin orelastin.

The anchoring members 1204 a and 1204 b can be generally similar to theanchoring members 104 a and 104 b described with respect to FIGS. 2A-2C.In some embodiments, the damping device 1200 includes more or fewer thantwo anchoring members 1204 (one anchoring member, three anchoringmembers, etc.). In a particular embodiment, the damping device 1200 doesnot include anchoring members 1204.

In the deployed state, the damping member 1202 is configured to bewrapped along the circumference of an artery that supplies blood to thebrain. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, the dampingmember 1202 is configured to be positioned around the exterior of theartery A such that the inner surface 1209 of the damping member 1202contacts an outer surface of the artery A (see FIG. 12B). In otherembodiments (not shown), the damping member 1202 is configured to bepositioned around the lumen of the artery such that the outer surface1211 of the damping member 1202 contacts an inner surface of thearterial wall.

FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional side view of the damping device 1200during transmission of a pulse wave PW through the portion of the arteryA surrounded by the damping device 1200. In FIG. 12B, the dashed lines Arepresent the artery during diastole, or when the artery is relaxed. Thesolid line A′ represents the artery in response to a pulse wave PWtraveling through the artery during systole. As shown in FIG. 12B, asthe wave front WF (or leading edge of the pulse wave PW) travels throughthe artery, the wavefront dilates the artery A at an axial location L₁corresponding to the wavefront WF. The wavefront WF pushes the arterialwall radially outwardly against the coil, thereby radially expanding theportion R₁ of the coil axially aligned with the wave front WF. Forexample, in those embodiments where the strand 1203 is made of astretchable material, such as an elastic polymer, the coil stretchesalong the portion R₁ to expand and accommodate the pulse wave, therebyabsorbing some of the energy transmitted with the pulse wave andreducing the stress on the arterial wall. In any of the aboveembodiments, the portions of the coil distal or proximal thewave-affected region are forced to contract (R₂), thereby causing theartery to narrow relative to its relaxed diameter. This narrowing of theartery creates a temporary impedance to the pulse wave which absorbssome of the energy. Once the pulse wave has passed, the arterial wallreturns to its relaxed state.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a damping device 1300 inaccordance with the present technology. As shown in FIG. 13, the dampingdevice 1300 can include a damping member 1302 defined by anextravascular wrap. The damping member 1302 may be fabricated from agenerally rectangular portion of a suitable bio-compatible andelastically deformable material which is configured to be wrapped aroundthe blood vessel. Alternatively, the damping member 1302 may beinitially provided having a cylindrical configuration including alongitudinal slit 1304 for receiving the vessel. The damping member 1302may be fabricated from a synthetic such as an elastic polymer, a shapememory and/or superelastic material such as Nitinol (nickel titanium), arecombinant human protein such as tropo-elastin or elastin, and othersuitable materials. As shown in FIG. 13, the damping member 1302 isconfigured to be secured around an artery (e.g., a carotid artery)between the aortic arch and the junction where the left common carotidartery divides into the internal (IC) and external (EC) carotidarteries. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thedamping member 1302 may alternatively or additionally be deployed aroundthe brachiocephalic trunk (not shown) or the right common carotid artery(not shown), or any distal branch of the aforementioned arteries, or anyproximal branch of the aforementioned arteries, such as the ascendingaorta. Opposing edges of the damping member 1302 can be secured to eachother with a coupling device such as stitching/sutures 1310, stapling,or another coupling device such that the external diameter of the arteryis reduced. In some embodiments, the coupling device can be made from anelastic material so that it can stretch to accommodate the pulse waveand absorb its energy. The elastically deformable damping member 1302 isadapted to radially expand during the systole stage and radiallycontract during the diastole stage. The damping member 1302 is securedsuch that an internal diameter of the elastically deformable material issmaller than an initial, outer diameter of the artery during a systolestage, but not smaller than an outer diameter of the artery during adiastole stage.

FIG. 14 depicts another embodiment of a damping device 1400 for treatingan arterial blood vessel. The device 1400 can be structurally similar tothe damping device 1300 shown in FIG. 13, with the exception that thetwo opposing edges of the elastically deformable damping member 1402 ofFIG. 14 are secured to each other using a zip-lock type couplingmechanism 1410.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a damping device 1500 configured inaccordance with the present technology. The damping device 1500,includes a generally tubular anchoring member 1504 (e.g., a stent, amesh, a braid, etc.) defining a lumen 1514 therethrough. The anchoringmember may be made of a resilient, biocompatible material such asstainless steel, titanium, nitinol, etc. In some embodiments, theanchoring member 1504 is made of a shape memory and/or superelasticmaterial. A radially outer surface of the anchoring member 1504 isconfigured to be positioned in apposition with an inner surface of anarterial wall. A radially inner surface of the anchoring member 1504 islined or otherwise coated with an absorptive material 1503 (e.g., acushioning material), such as an elastically deformable material, whichis adapted to absorb shock. The lumen 1514 is configured to receiveblood flow therethrough. The lumen 1514 is present when the anchoringmember 1504 is radially expanded, but it may not be present in theinitial, contracted configuration prior to deployment

In some embodiments (not shown), the damping device can be abiocompatible gel which is injected around a portion of the left orright carotid artery or the brachiocephalic trunk. The gel increases theexternal pressure acting on the artery and thus reduces the externaldiameter of the artery. As blood pressure increases within the artery,the gel elastically deforms, such that the artery radially expandsduring the systole stage and radially contracts during the diastolestage.

FIG. 16A is a perspective, cut-away view of a damping device 1600 inaccordance with the present technology in a deployed, relaxed state.FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the damping device 1600 positionedin an artery A during transmission of a pulse wave PW through theportion of the artery A surrounded by the damping device 1600. Referringto FIGS. 16A and 16B together, the damping device 1600 includes adamping member 1602 and a structural member 1604 coupled to the dampingmember 1602. In FIG. 16A, a middle portion of the structural member 1604has been removed to show features of the structure of the damping member1602. As shown in FIG. 16A, the damping device 1600 can have a generallycylindrical shape in the deployed, relaxed state. The damping device1600 may be configured to wrap around the circumference of the arterywith opposing longitudinal edges (not shown) secured to one another viasutures, staples, adhesive, and/or other suitable coupling devices.Alternatively, the damping device 1600 can have a longitudinal slit forreceiving the artery therethrough. In either of the foregoingextravascular embodiments, the damping device 1600 is configured to bepositioned around the circumference of the artery A so that the innersurface 1612 (FIG. 16B) is adjacent and/or in contact with the outersurface of the arterial wall. In other embodiments, the damping device1600 can be configured to be positioned intravascularly (e.g., withinthe artery lumen) such that an outer surface of the damping device 1600is adjacent and/or in contact with the inner surface of the arterialwall. In such intravascular embodiments, the inner surface 1612 of thedamping member 1602 is adjacent or directly in contact with bloodflowing through the artery A.

The structural member 1604 can be a generally cylindrical structureconfigured to expand from a low-profile state to a deployed state. Thestructural member 1604 is configured to provide structural support tosecure the damping device 1600 to a selected region of the artery. Insome embodiments, the structural member 1604 can be a stent formed froma laser cut metal, such as a superelastic and/or shape memory material(e.g., Nitinol) or stainless steel. All or a portion of the structuralmember 1604 can include a radiopaque coating to improve visualization ofthe device 1600 during delivery, and/or the structural member 1604 mayinclude one or more radiopaque markers. In other embodiments, thestructural member 1604 may comprise a mesh or woven (e.g., a braid)construction in addition to or in place of a laser cut stent. Forexample, the structural member 1604 can include a tube or braided meshformed from a plurality of flexible wires or filaments arranged in adiamond pattern or other configuration. In some embodiments, all or aportion of the structural member 1604 can be covered by a graft material(such as Dacron) to promote sealing with the vessel wall. Additionally,all or a portion of the structural member 1604 can include one or morebiomaterials.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the structural member 1604is positioned radially outwardly of the damping member 1602 and extendsalong the entire length of the damping member 1602 (though a middleportion of the structural member 1604 is cut-away in FIG. 16A forillustrative purposes only). In other embodiments, the structural member1604 and the damping member 1602 may have other suitable configurations.For example, the damping device 1600 can include more than onestructural member 1604 (e.g., two structural members, three structuralmembers, etc.). Additionally, in some embodiments the structuralmember(s) 1604 may extend along only a portion of the damping member1602 such that a portion of the length of the damping member 1602 is notsurrounded and/or axially aligned with any portion of the structuralmember 1604. Also, in some embodiments, all or a portion of the dampingmember 1602 may be positioned radially outwardly of all or a portion ofthe structural member 1604.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the damping member 1602includes a proximal damping element 1606 a and a distal damping element1606 b. The damping member 1602 may further include optional channels1608 extending between the proximal and distal damping elements 1606 a,1606 b. The channels 1608, for example, can extend in a longitudinaldirection along the damping device 1600 and fluidly couple the proximaldamping element 1606 a to the distal damping element 1606 b. The dampingmember 1602 may further include an abating substance 1610 configured todeform in response to fluid stress (such as blood flow), therebyabsorbing at least a portion of the stress. For example, as best shownin FIG. 16B, in one embodiment the abating substance 1610 includes aplurality of fluid particles F (only one fluid particle labeled)contained in the proximal damping element 1606 a, distal damping element1606 b, and channel(s) 1608. As used herein, the term “fluid” refers toliquids and/or gases, and “fluid particles” refers to liquid particlesand/or gas particles. In some embodiments, the damping member 1602 is agel, and the plurality of fluid particles F are dispersed within anetwork of solid particles. In other embodiments, the damping member1602 may include only fluid particles F (e.g., only gas particles, onlyliquid particles, or only gas and liquid particles) contained within aflexible and/or elastic membrane that defines the proximal dampingmember 1606 a, the distal damping member 1606 b, and the channel(s)1608. The viscosity and/or composition of the abating substance 1610 maybe the same or may vary along the length and/or circumference of thedamping member 1602.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the channels 1608 have aresting radial thickness t_(r) and circumferential thickness t_(c) (FIG.16A) that is less than the resting radial thickness t_(r) andcircumferential thickness t_(c), respectively, of the proximal anddistal damping elements 1606 a, 1606 b. As best shown in FIG. 16A, insome embodiments the proximal and distal damping elements 1606 a and1606 b may extend around the full circumference of the damping device1600 and the channels 1608 may extend around only a portion of thecircumference of the damping device 1600. In other embodiments, thechannels 1608 can have a resting radial thickness t_(r) that isgenerally the same as that of the proximal and distal damping elements1606 a, 1606 b (see damping elements 1906 a-c and channels 1908 in FIGS.19A and 19B) and/or a resting circumferential thickness t_(c) that isgenerally the same as that of the proximal and distal damping elements1606 a, 1606 b.

Referring to FIG. 16B, when a pulse wave PW traveling through the arteryA applies a stress at a first axial location L₁ along the length of thedamping member 1602 (e.g., at wavefront WF), at least a portion of thefluid particles move away from the first axial location L₁ to a secondaxial location L₂ along the length of the damping member 1602. As such,at least a portion of the fluid particles are redistributed along thelength of the damping member 1602 such that the inner diameter ID of thedamping member 1602 increases at the first axial location L₁ while theinner diameter ID decreases at another axial location (e.g., L₂). Forexample, as the wavefront WF passes through the proximal portion 1600 aof the device 1600, the portion of the artery A aligned with thewavefront WF dilates, thereby applying a stress to the proximal dampingelement 1606 a and forcing at least some of the fluid particles in theproximal damping element 1606 a to move distally within the dampingmember 1602. At least some of the displaced fluid particles are forcedthrough the channel(s) 1608 and into the distal damping element 1606 b,thereby increasing the volume of the distal damping element 1606 b anddecreasing the inner diameter ID of the damping device 1600 at thedistal portion 1600 b. The decreased inner diameter ID of the dampingdevice 1600 provides an impedance to the blood flow that absorbs atleast a portion of the energy in the pulse wave when the blood flowreaches the distal damping member 1606 b. As the wavefront WF thenpasses through the distal portion 1600 b of the device 1600, the portionof the artery A aligned with the wavefront WF dilates, thereby applyinga stress to the distal damping element 1606 b and forcing at least someof the fluid particles currently in the distal damping element 1606 b tomove proximally within the damping member 1602. At least some of thedisplaced fluid particles are forced through the channel(s) 1608 andinto the proximal damping element 1606 a, thereby increasing the volumeof the proximal damping element 1606 a and decreasing the inner diameterID of the device 1600 at the proximal portion 1600 a. Movement of thefluid particles and/or deformation of the damping member 1602 inresponse to the pulse wave absorbs at least a portion of the energycarried by the pulse wave, thereby reducing the stress on the arterialwall distal to the device.

When the damping member 1602 deforms in response to the pulse wave, theshape of the structural member 1604 may remain generally unchanged,thereby providing the support to facilitate redistribution of the fluidparticles within and along the damping member 1602. In otherembodiments, the structural member 1604 may also deform in response tothe local fluid stress.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a damping device1700 in accordance with the present technology. FIG. 17B is across-sectional view of the damping device 1700 positioned in an arteryA during transmission of a pulse wave PW through the portion of theartery A surrounded by the damping device 1700. The damping device 1700can include a structural member 1704 and a damping member 1702. Thestructural member 1704 can be generally similar to the structural member1604 shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. The damping member 1702 is defined by asingle chamber 1705 including an abating substance 1610 and a pluralityof baffles 1720 that separate the chamber 1705 into threefluidically-coupled compartments 1706 a, 1706 b, and 1706 c. The baffles1720 extend only a portion of the radial thickness of the damping member1702, thereby leaving a gap G between the end of the baffles 1720 and aninner wall 1722 of the damping member 1702. In other embodiments, thedamping device 1700 can include more or fewer compartments (e.g., asingle, tubular compartment (no baffles), two compartments, fourcompartments, etc.). Moreover, the baffles 1720 may extend around all ora portion of the circumference of the damping member 1702.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a damping device1800 in accordance with the present technology, and FIG. 18B is a frontview of the damping device 1800, shown in a deployed state positionedaround an artery A. Referring to FIGS. 18A-18B together, the dampingdevice 1800, in a deployed, relaxed state, includes a generally tubularsidewall 1805 that defines a lumen. The damping device 1800 can beformed of a generally parallelogram-shaped element that is wrappedaround a mandrel in a helical configuration and heat set. In otherembodiments, the damping device 1800 can have other suitable shapes andconfigurations in the unfurled, non-deployed state. As shown in FIG.18B, in the deployed state, the damping device 1800 is configured to bewrapped helically along or around the circumference of an arterysupplying blood to the brain. Opposing longitudinal edges 1807 of thedamping device 1800 come together in the deployed state to form ahelical path along the longitudinal axis of the artery A. The dampingdevice 1800 can include any of the coupling devices described withrespect to FIGS. 13-15 to secure all or a portion of the opposinglongitudinal edges to one another.

As best shown in FIG. 18A, the sidewall 1805 of the damping device 1800includes a structural member 1804 and a damping member 1802. Thestructural member 1804 can be generally similar to the structural member1604 shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, except the structural member 1804 ofFIGS. 18A and 18B has a helical configuration in the deployed state. Thedamping member 1802 can be generally similar to any of the dampingmembers described herein, especially those described with respect toFIGS. 13-17B and 19A and 19B. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18A and18B, the damping member 1802 is positioned radially inwardly of thestructural member 1804 when the damping device 1800 is in the deployedstate. In other embodiments, the damping member 1802 may be positionedradially outwardly of the structural member 1804 when the damping device1800 is in the deployed state.

The damping device 1800 may be configured to wrap around thecircumference of the artery A so that the inner surface 1812 (FIG. 18A)is adjacent and/or in contact with the outer surface of the arterialwall. In other embodiments, the damping device 1800 can be configured tobe positioned intravascularly (e.g., within the artery lumen) such thatan outer surface of the damping device 1800 is adjacent and/or incontact with the inner surface of the arterial wall. In suchintravascular embodiments, the inner surface 1812 of the damping member1802 is adjacent or directly in contact with blood flowing through theartery A.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective and top views, respectively, of adamping device 1900 that can define one embodiment of the damping device1800 shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. In FIGS. 19A and 19B, the dampingdevice 1900 is shown in an unfurled, non-deployed state. The dampingdevice 1900 includes a damping member 1902 having a plurality ofchambers 1906 a, 1906 b, 1906 c spaced apart along a longitudinaldimension of the damping device 1900 in the unfurled state. The chambers1906 a, 1906 b, 1906 c may be fluidly coupled by channels 1908 extendingbetween adjacent chambers. The damping device 1900 can thus operate in amanner similar to the damping device 1600 where an abating substance(not shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B) in the chambers 1906 a-c moves throughthe channels 1908 to inflated/deflate individual chambers in response toa pressure wave traveling through the blood vessel. The displacement ofthe abating substance within the chambers 1906 a-c attenuates the energyof the pulse wave to reduce the impact of the pulse wave distally of thedamping device 1900.

IV. EXAMPLES

The following examples are illustrative of several embodiments of thepresent technology:

1. A device for treating or slowing the progression of dementia,comprising:

-   -   a flexible, compliant damping member configured to be        intravascularly positioned within an artery at a treatment site,        the damping member being transformable between a low-profile        state for delivery to the treatment site and an expanded state,        wherein the damping member includes a generally tubular sidewall        having (a) an outer surface, (b) an inner surface defining a        lumen configured to direct blood flow, (c) a first end        portion, (d) a second end portion opposite the first end portion        along the length of the damping member, and (e) a damping region        between the first and second end portions, wherein the inner        surface and outer surface are spaced apart by a distance that is        greater at the damping region than at either of the first or        second end portions; and    -   a first anchoring member coupled to the first end portion of the        damping member and a second anchoring member coupled to the        second end portion of the damping member, wherein the first and        second anchoring members, in a deployed state, extend radially        to a deployed diameter configured to contact a portion of the        arterial wall at the treatment site, thereby securing the        damping member at the treatment site, and wherein the first and        second anchoring members extend along only a portion of the        length of the damping member such that at least a portion of the        damping region is exposed between the first and second anchoring        members and allowed to expand to a diameter greater than the        deployed diameter.

2. The device of example 1 wherein the damping member is configured todeform in response to a change in blood pressure.

3. The device of example 1 or example 2 wherein, at a location along thedamping member coincident with a leading end of a pulse pressure wave,the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of thedamping member decreases in response to the pressure.

4. The device of any one of examples 1-3 wherein the lumen of thedamping member has an hourglass shape.

5. The device of any one of examples 1-4 wherein the outer surface isgenerally cylindrical and the inner surface is undulating.

6. The device of any one of examples 1-5 wherein each of the first andsecond anchoring members is an expandable stent.

7. The device of any one of examples 1-5 wherein the each of the firstand second anchoring members is an expandable mesh.

8. The device of any one of examples 1-5 wherein each of the first andsecond anchoring members is at least one of an expandable stent and anexpandable mesh.

9. The device of any one of examples 1-8 wherein each of the first andsecond anchoring members is positioned around a circumference of thedamping member.

10. The device of any one of examples 1-8 wherein at least a portion ofeach of the first and second anchoring members is positioned within thedamping member and extends through at least a portion of the thicknessof the sidewall.

11. The device of any one of examples 1-10 wherein the damping region isa first damping region, and wherein the damping member includes aplurality of damping regions between the first and second end portions.

12. The device of any one of examples 1-11 wherein at least one of thefirst and second anchoring members comprise a plurality of fixationdevices extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of thedamping device.

13. The device of any one of examples 1-12 wherein the device isconfigured to be positioned at a treatment site within the left commoncarotid artery.

14. The device of any one of examples 1-13 wherein the device isconfigured to be positioned at a treatment site within the right commoncarotid artery.

15. The device of any one of examples 1-14 wherein the device isconfigured to treat Alzheimer's disease.

16. The device of any one of examples 1-15 wherein the device isconfigured to reduce the occurrence of microbleeds in one or morebranches of the artery downstream from the treatment site.

17. A device for treating dementia, comprising:

-   -   a damping member configured to be intravascularly positioned        within an artery at a treatment site and having a lumen        configured to direct blood flow to distal vasculature, the        damping member being transformable between a low-profile state        for delivery to the treatment site and an expanded state,        wherein the damping member includes a damping region having a        pressure limiter projecting laterally inwardly into the lumen to        distribute pressure downstream from the damping member when a        pulse pressure wave propagates along the damping member during        systole; and    -   an anchoring member coupled to the damping member, wherein the        anchoring member, in a deployed state, is configured to extend        outwardly to a deployed diameter and contact a portion of the        blood vessel wall at the treatment site, thereby securing the        damping member at the treatment site, wherein the anchoring        member extends along only a portion of the length of the damping        member such that the damping region of the damping member is        allowed to extend radially outward beyond the deployed diameter        of the anchoring member.

18. The device of example 17 wherein the damping member is configured todeform in response to a change in blood pressure.

19. The device of example 17 or example 18 wherein, at a location alongthe damping member coincident with a leading end of a pulse pressurewave, the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface ofthe damping member decreases in response to the pressure.

20. The device of any one of examples 17-19 wherein the lumen of thedamping member has an hourglass shape.

21. The device of any one of examples 17-20 wherein the anchoring memberis an expandable stent.

22. The device of any one of examples 17-20 wherein the anchoring memberis an expandable mesh.

23. The device of any one of examples 17-20 wherein the anchoring memberis at least one of an expandable stent and an expandable mesh.

24. The device of any one of examples 17-23 wherein the anchoring memberis positioned around a circumference of the damping member.

25. The device of any one of examples 17-23 wherein at least a portionof the anchoring member is positioned within the damping member andextends through at least a portion of the thickness of the sidewall.

26. The device of any one of examples 17-25 wherein the damping regionis a first damping region, and wherein the damping member includes aplurality of damping regions between the first and second end portions.

27. The device of any one of examples 17-26 wherein the anchoring memberincludes a plurality of fixation devices extending radially outwardlyfrom the outer surface of the damping device.

28. The device of any one of examples 17-27 wherein the device isconfigured to be positioned at a treatment site within the left commoncarotid artery.

29. The device of any one of examples 17-28 wherein the device isconfigured to be positioned at a treatment site within the right commoncarotid artery.

30. The device of any one of examples 17-29 wherein the device isconfigured to treat Alzheimer's disease.

31. The device of any one of examples 17-29 wherein the device isconfigured to reduce the occurrence of microbleeds in portions of theblood vessel downstream from the treatment site.

32. A device for treating dementia, comprising:

-   -   a flexible, compliant damping member configured to be        intravascularly positioned within an artery at a treatment site,        the damping member being transformable between a low-profile        state for delivery to the treatment site and an expanded state,        wherein the damping member includes a generally tubular sidewall        having (a) an outer surface, (b) an inner surface defining a        lumen configured to direct blood flow, (c) a first end        portion, (d) a second end portion opposite the first end portion        along the length of the damping member, and (e) a damping region        between the first and second end portions, wherein the inner        surface and outer surface are spaced apart by a distance that is        greater at the damping region than at either of the first or        second end portions; and    -   a first anchoring member coupled to the first end portion of the        damping member and a second anchoring member coupled to the        second end portion of the damping member, wherein the first and        second anchoring members, in a deployed state, extend radially        to a deployed diameter configured to contact a portion of the        blood vessel wall at the treatment site, thereby securing the        damping member at the treatment site, and    -   wherein, when blood flows through the damping member during        systole, the damping member absorbs a portion of the pulsatile        energy of the blood, thereby reducing a magnitude of a pulse        pressure transmitted to a portion of the blood vessel distal to        the damping device.

33. A device for treating a blood vessel, comprising:

-   -   an anchoring system having a first portion and a second portion;        and    -   a cushioning member located between the first and second        portions of the anchoring system such that a portion of the        cushioning member is not constrained by the anchoring system,        and wherein the cushioning member is configured to absorb        pulsatile energy transmitted by blood flowing with the vessel.

34. The device of example 33 wherein the cushioning member is configuredto expand in response to an increase of blood pressure within thevessel, and relax as the blood pressure within the vessel subsequentlydecreases.

35. A device for treating a blood vessel, comprising:

-   -   an endovascular cushioning device having a proximal anchor and a        distal anchor, each of the proximal and distal anchors being        configured to abut against an inner wall of a major artery; and    -   an elastically deformable member extending between the proximal        and distal anchors,    -   wherein the elastically deformable member is configured to        expand in response to an increase of blood pressure within the        vessel, and relax as the blood pressure within the vessel        subsequently decreases.

36. The device of example 35 wherein a portion of the elasticallydeformable membrane located longitudinally between the proximal anddistal anchors defines a region of reduced internal cross-sectional arearelative to the proximal and distal anchors when the elasticallydeformable membrane is radially relaxed.

37. The device of example 35 or example 36 wherein the proximal anddistal anchors are each radially expandable between a first diameterbefore deployment and a second diameter after deployment.

38. The device of any one of examples 35-37, further comprising one ormore threads secured to the proximal anchor.

39. The device of example 38 wherein each thread is secured to aneyelet.

40. A device for treating an artery selected from a left common carotidartery, a right common carotid artery, a brachiocephalic artery, theascending aorta, an internal carotid artery, or an abdominal aorta, thedevice comprising:

-   -   a wrap fabricated from an elastically deformable material, and    -   an engagement formation adapted to secure two opposing edges of        the wrap around the artery,    -   wherein the elastically deformable material is configured to        radially expand during a systole stage and radially contract        during a diastole stage.

41. The device of example 40 wherein the engagement formation includessutures and/or staples.

42. The device of example 41 wherein the engagement formation includes azip lock.

43. A device for treating a left common carotid artery, a right commoncarotid artery, a brachiocephalic artery, or an ascending aorta, thedevice comprising:

-   -   a proximal anchor configured to be wrapped around the artery;    -   a distal anchor configured to be wrapped around the artery and        longitudinally spaced relative to the proximal anchor; and    -   a helical band adapted to be wound around the artery, the        helical band having a first end securable to the proximal anchor        and an opposing second end securable to the distal anchor,        wherein the helical band is adapted to radially expand during a        systole stage and radially contract during a diastole stage.

44. A device for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   a damping member having a low-profile state and a deployed        state, wherein, in the deployed state, the damping member        comprises a deformable, generally tubular sidewall having an        outer surface and an inner surface that is undulating in a        longitudinal direction, and wherein the sidewall is configured        to be positioned in apposition with a blood vessel wall to        absorb pulsatile energy transmitted by blood flowing through the        blood vessel.

45. The device of example 1 wherein the damping member is configured tobe positioned in apposition with at least one of a left common carotidartery, a right common carotid artery, and a brachiocephalic artery.

46. The device of example 44 or example 45 wherein the damping member isconfigured to be positioned in apposition with an ascending aorta.

47. The device of any one of examples 44-46 wherein the damping memberis configured to be positioned in apposition with an inner surface ofthe blood vessel wall.

48. The device of any one of examples 44-46 wherein the damping memberis configured to be positioned in apposition with an outer surface ofthe blood vessel wall.

49. The device of any one of examples 44-48 wherein the sidewall has aninner diameter, and, when the damping member is in a deployed state, theinner diameter increases then decreases in an axial direction.

50. The device of any one of examples 44-49 wherein the cross-sectionalarea decreases then increases in longitudinal direction.

51. The device of any one of examples 44-50 wherein the outer surfacehas a generally cylindrical shape.

52. The device of any one of examples 44-50 wherein the outer surfacehas an undulating shape.

53. The device of any one of examples 44-52, further comprising ananchoring member coupled to the damping member and axially aligned withonly a portion of the damping member, wherein the anchoring member isconfigured to engage the blood vessel wall and secure the damping memberto the blood vessel wall.

54. The device of any one of examples 44-53 wherein the anchoring memberis a first anchoring member and the device further comprises a secondanchoring member coupled to the damping member, and wherein the secondanchoring member:

-   -   is axially aligned with only a portion of the damping member,        and    -   is spaced apart from the first anchoring member along the        longitudinal axis of the damping member.

55. The device of any one of examples 44-54 wherein, when the dampingmember is positioned adjacent the blood vessel wall, the damping memberdoes not constrain the diameter of the blood vessel wall.

56. A device for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   an elastic member having a low-profile state for delivery to a        treatment site at a blood vessel wall and a deployed state,        wherein, in the deployed state, the elastic member is configured        to abut an arterial wall and form a generally tubular structure        having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, an outer surface,        and an undulating inner surface, and wherein at least one of the        outer diameter and the inner diameter increases and decreases in        response to an increase and a decrease in pulse pressure within        the blood vessel, respectively.

57. The device of example 56 wherein the elastic member is configured tobe positioned in apposition with at least one of a left common carotidartery, a right common carotid artery, and a brachiocephalic artery.

58. The device of example 56 or example 57 wherein the elastic member isconfigured to be positioned in apposition with an ascending aorta.

59. The device of any one of examples 56-58 wherein the elastic memberis configured to be positioned in apposition with an inner surface ofthe blood vessel wall.

60. The device of any one of examples 56-58 wherein the elastic memberis configured to be positioned in apposition with an outer surface ofthe blood vessel wall.

61. The device of any one of examples 56-60 wherein the sidewall has aninner diameter, and, when the elastic member is in a deployed state, theinner diameter increases then decreases in an axial direction.

62. The device of any one of examples 56-61 wherein the cross-sectionalarea decreases then increases in longitudinal direction.

63. The device of any one of examples 56-62 wherein the outer surfacehas a generally cylindrical shape.

64. The device of any one of examples 56-62 wherein the outer surfacehas an undulating shape.

65. The device of any one of examples 56-64, further comprising ananchoring member coupled to the elastic member and axially aligned withonly a portion of the elastic member, wherein the anchoring member isconfigured to engage the blood vessel wall and secure the elastic memberto the blood vessel wall.

66. The device of example 65 wherein the anchoring member is a firstanchoring member and the device further comprises a second anchoringmember coupled to the elastic member, and wherein the second anchoringmember:

-   -   is axially aligned with only a portion of the elastic member,        and    -   is spaced apart from the first anchoring member along the        longitudinal axis of the elastic member.

67. The device of any one of examples 56-66 wherein, when the elasticmember is positioned adjacent the blood vessel wall, the elastic memberdoes not constrain the diameter of the blood vessel wall.

68. A device for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   a damping member including an abating substance, the damping        member having a low-profile configuration and a deployed        configuration, wherein, when the damping member is in the        deployed configuration, the damping member forms a generally        tubular structure configured to be positioned along the        circumference of an artery such that, when a pulse wave        traveling through the artery applies a stress at a first axial        location along the length of the tubular structure, at least a        portion of the abating substance moves away from the first        location to a second axial location along the length of the        tubular structure.

69. The device of example 68, further comprising a structural elementcoupled to the damping member.

70. The device of example 68 or example 69 wherein, in the deployedstate, the damping member is configured to wrap around at least aportion of the circumference of the artery.

71. The device of any one of examples 68-70 wherein, in the deployedstate, the device has a pre-set helical configuration.

72. The device of any one of examples 68-71 wherein the damping memberincludes a liquid.

73. The device of any one of examples 68-72 wherein the damping memberincludes a gas.

74. The device of any one of examples 68-73 wherein the damping memberincludes a gel.

75. The device of any one of examples 68-74 wherein the damping member,in the deployed configuration, is configured to be positioned inapposition with an outer surface of the arterial wall.

76. The device of any one of examples 68-74 wherein the damping member,in the deployed configuration, is configured to be positioned around thearterial wall such that an inner surface of the damping member is incontact with blood flowing through the artery.

77. A device for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   a damping member including a plurality of fluid particles, the        damping member having a low-profile configuration and a deployed        configuration, wherein, when the damping member is in the        deployed configuration, the damping member is configured to be        positioned along the circumference of an artery at a treatment        site along a length of the artery,    -   wherein, when the damping member is in a deployed configuration        and positioned at the treatment site, a wavefront traveling        through the length of the artery redistributes at least a        portion of the fluid particles along the length of the damping        member such that the inner diameter of the damping member        increases at the axial location along the damping member aligned        with the wavefront while the inner diameter of the damping        member at another axial location along the damping member        decreases.

78. The device of example 77, further comprising a structural elementcoupled to the damping member.

79. The device of example 77 or example 78 wherein, in the deployedstate, the damping member is configured to wrap around at least aportion of the circumference of the artery.

80. The device of any one of examples 77-79 wherein, in the deployedstate, the device has a pre-set helical configuration.

81. The device of any one of examples 77-80 wherein the damping memberincludes a liquid.

82. The device of any one of examples 77-81 wherein the damping memberincludes a gas.

83. The device of any one of examples 77-82 wherein the damping memberincludes a gel.

84. The device of any one of examples 77-83 wherein the damping member,in the deployed configuration, is configured to be positioned inapposition with an outer surface of the arterial wall.

85. The device of any one of examples 77-84 wherein the damping member,in the deployed configuration, is configured to be positioned around thearterial wall such that an inner surface of the damping member is incontact with blood flowing through the artery.

86. A method for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   positioning a damping device in apposition with at least one of        the brachiocephalic artery, the right common carotid artery, the        left common carotid artery, the ascending aorta, and the aortic        arch, the damping device comprising an elastic, generally        tubular sidewall whereby the damping device absorbs pulsatile        energy transmitted by blood flowing through the at least one of        the brachiocephalic artery, the right common carotid artery, the        left common carotid artery, the ascending aorta, and the aortic        arch.

87. A method for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   positioning a damping device in apposition with the wall of an        artery that delivers blood to the brain, the damping device        comprising an elastic, generally tubular sidewall having an        outer surface and an undulating inner surface; and    -   in response to a pulse pressure wave in blood flowing through        the blood vessel, a contour of at least one of the inner surface        and the outer surface changes.

88. A method for treating at least one of the brachiocephalic artery,the right common carotid artery, the left common carotid artery, theascending aorta, and the aortic arch, the method comprising:

-   -   positioning a damping device in apposition with a blood vessel        wall, the damping device comprising an elastic, generally        tubular sidewall;    -   expanding at least one of the inner diameter and the outer        diameter of the damping device in response to an increase in        pulse pressure; and    -   contracting at least one of the inner diameter and the outer        diameter of the damping device in response to a decrease in        pulse pressure.

89. A method of treating a blood vessel, comprising:

-   -   inserting a catheter into a vessel and directing a tip of the        catheter to a desired vascular location;    -   transferring a distal anchor from within the catheter tip into        the vessel;    -   expanding the distal anchor such that a radially outer portion        of the distal anchor engages with an inner wall of the vessel;    -   withdrawing the catheter slightly and transferring a proximal        anchor from the tip of the catheter into the vessel;    -   longitudinally positioning the proximal anchor at a desired        location;    -   expanding the proximal anchor such that a radially outer portion        of the proximal anchor engages with an inner wall of the vessel,        wherein an elastically deformable member extends longitudinally        between the proximal and distal anchors.

90. The method of example 89 wherein transferring the distal anchorincludes advancing the distal anchor from the tip of the catheter.

91. The method of example 89 or example 90 wherein transferring thedistal anchor includes withdrawing the tip of the catheter whilst thedistal anchor remains at a generally constant longitudinal positionwithin the vessel, and exits from the tip of the catheter.

92. The method of any one of examples 89-91 wherein longitudinallypositioning the proximal anchor includes applying a first tensile forceto one or more threads frangibly secured to the proximal anchor.

93. The method of example 92, further including frangibly rupturing thethread(s) after expanding the proximal anchor by applying a secondtensile force which is greater than the first tensile force.

94. The method of example 92, further including disengaging a ring,latch or clasp secured to the thread(s) after expanding the proximalanchor in order to disengage the thread from the proximal anchor.

95. The method of any one of examples 89-94, further including imagingto determine the location of the proximal and/or distal anchors.

96. A method of treating a blood vessel selected from a left commoncarotid artery, a right common carotid artery or a brachiocephalicartery, a carotid artery, a branch of any of the foregoing, and anascending aorta, the method comprising:

-   -   wrapping an elastically deformable material around the artery;        and    -   attaching a first edge of the elastically deformable material to        an opposing second edge of the elastically deformable material        such that an internal diameter of the elastically deformable        material is smaller than an initial outer diameter of the artery        during a systole stage.

97. A method for treating dementia, comprising:

-   -   intravascularly positioning a damping device within an artery at        a treatment site, wherein the damping device includes an        anchoring member coupled to an elastic, tubular damping member        defining a lumen therethrough;    -   expanding the anchoring member and the damping member from a low        profile state to an expanded state such that at least the        anchoring member is in apposition with the arterial wall at the        treatment site; and    -   changing a contour of the damping member in response to a pulse        pressure wave in blood flow through the damping member.

98. The method of example 97, further comprising reducing a magnitude ofthe pulse pressure transmitted to a portion of the blood vessel distalto the damping device.

99. The method of example 98 wherein reducing a magnitude of the pulsepressure includes absorbing a portion of the pulsatile energy of bloodflowing through the artery.

100. The method of any one of examples 97-99 wherein changing a contourof the damping member includes increasing an inner diameter of the lumendamping member while an outer diameter of the damping member remainsgenerally constant.

101. The method of any one of examples 97-99 wherein changing a contourof the damping member includes increasing an inner diameter and an outerdiameter of the lumen of the damping member.

102. The method of any one of examples 97-99 wherein changing a contourof the damping member includes decreasing a distance between an innersurface of the damping member and an outer surface of the dampingmember.

103. The method of example 1 wherein intravascularly positioning adamping device includes intravascularly positioning a damping devicewithin a left common carotid artery at a treatment site.

104. The method of any one of examples 97-103 wherein intravascularlypositioning a damping device includes intravascularly positioning adamping device within a right common carotid artery at a treatment site.

105. The method of any one of examples 97-104 wherein expanding theanchoring member and expanding the damping member occurs simultaneously.

106. The method of any one of examples 97-105 wherein expanding theanchoring member includes expanding the anchoring member with a balloon.

107. The method of any one of examples 97-105 wherein expanding theanchoring member includes withdrawing a sheath to expose the anchoringmember to allow the anchoring member to self-expand.

108. The method of any one of examples 97-107 wherein expanding thedamping member includes expanding the damping member with a balloon.

109. The method of any one of examples 97-107 wherein expanding thedamping member includes withdrawing a sheath to expose the dampingmember to allow the anchoring member to self-expand.

110. The method of any one of examples 97-109 wherein expanding theanchoring member forces the damping member to expand.

111. The method of any one of examples 97-110 wherein:

-   -   the damping device is a first damping device,    -   the first damping device is intravascularly positioned at a        first arterial location, and    -   the method further comprises intravascularly positioning a        second damping device at a second arterial location different        than the first arterial location.

112. The method of example 111 wherein the first arterial location isone of a left common carotid artery, a right common carotid artery, anexternal carotid artery, an internal carotid artery, and an ascendingaorta, and the second arterial location is one of a left common carotidartery, a right common carotid artery, an external carotid artery, aninternal carotid artery, and an ascending aorta.

113. The method of example 111 wherein the first arterial location is aleft common carotid artery and the second arterial location is a rightcommon carotid artery.

114. A method for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   positioning a damping member along a length of an artery, the        damping member including an abating substance; and    -   in response to a pulse wave traveling through blood in the        artery, redistributing at least a portion of the abating        compound along the length of the damping member, thereby        attenuating at least a portion of the energy of the pulse wave        in the blood.

115. A method for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   positioning a damping member along a length of an artery, the        damping member including a plurality of fluid particles; and    -   moving a portion of the fluid particles away from an axial        location along the damping member aligned a wavefront of a pulse        wave, thereby increasing the inner diameter of the damping        member.

116. A device for treating or slowing the progression of dementia,comprising:

-   -   a flexible, compliant damping member configured to be        intravascularly positioned within an artery at a treatment site,        the damping member being transformable between a low-profile        state for delivery to the treatment site and an expanded state,        wherein the damping member includes a generally tubular sidewall        having (a) an outer surface, (b) an inner surface defining a        lumen configured to direct blood flow, (c) a first end        portion, (d) a second end portion opposite the first end portion        along the length of the damping member, and (e) a damping region        between the first and second end portions, wherein the inner        surface and outer surface are spaced apart by a distance that is        greater at the damping region than at either of the first or        second end portions; and    -   a first anchoring member coupled to the first end portion of the        damping member and a second anchoring member coupled to the        second end portion of the damping member, wherein the first and        second anchoring members, in a deployed state, extend radially        to a deployed diameter configured to contact a portion of the        arterial wall at the treatment site, thereby securing the        damping member at the treatment site, and wherein the first and        second anchoring members extend along only a portion of the        length of the damping member such that at least a portion of the        damping region is exposed between the first and second anchoring        members and allowed to expand to a diameter greater than the        deployed diameter.

117. The device of example 116 wherein the damping member is elasticallydeformable, and is configured to deform in response to a change in bloodpressure.

118. The device of example 116 or example 117 wherein, at a locationalong the damping member coincident with a leading end of a pulsepressure wave, the distance between the inner surface and the outersurface of the damping member decreases in response to the pressure.

119. The device of any one of examples 116-118 wherein the lumen of thedamping member has an hourglass shape.

120. The device of any one of example 116-119 wherein the outer surfaceis generally cylindrical and the inner surface is undulating.

121. The device of any one of examples 116-120 wherein each of the firstand second anchoring members is an expandable stent.

122. The device of any one of examples 116-120 wherein the each of thefirst and second anchoring members is an expandable mesh.

123. The device of any one of examples 116-120 wherein each of the firstand second anchoring members is at least one of an expandable stent andan expandable mesh.

124. The device of any one of examples 116-123 wherein each of the firstand second anchoring members is positioned around a circumference of thedamping member.

125. The device of any one of examples 116-124 wherein at least aportion of each of the first and second anchoring members is positionedwithin the damping member and extends through at least a portion of thethickness of the sidewall.

126. The device of any one of examples 116-125 wherein the dampingregion is a first damping region, and wherein the damping memberincludes a plurality of damping regions between the first and second endportions.

127. The device of any one of examples 116-126 wherein at least one ofthe first and second anchoring members comprise a plurality of fixationdevices extending radially outwardly from the outer surface of thedamping device.

128. The device of any one of examples 116-127 wherein the device isconfigured to be positioned at a treatment site within the left commoncarotid artery.

129. The device of any one of examples 116-127 wherein the device isconfigured to be positioned at a treatment site within the right commoncarotid artery.

130. The device of any one of examples 116-129 wherein the device isconfigured to treat Alzheimer's disease.

131. The device of any one of examples 116-129 wherein the device isconfigured to reduce the occurrence of microbleeds in one or morebranches of the artery downstream from the treatment site.

132. A device for treating dementia, comprising:

-   -   a damping member configured to be intravascularly positioned        within an artery at a treatment site and having a lumen        configured to direct blood flow to distal vasculature, the        damping member being transformable between a low-profile state        for delivery to the treatment site and an expanded state,        wherein the damping member includes a damping region having a        pressure limiter projecting laterally inwardly into the lumen to        distribute pressure downstream from the damping member when a        pulse pressure wave propagates along the damping member during        systole; and    -   an anchoring member coupled to the damping member, wherein the        anchoring member, in a deployed state, is configured to extend        outwardly to a deployed diameter and contact a portion of the        blood vessel wall at the treatment site, thereby securing the        damping member at the treatment site, wherein the anchoring        member extends along only a portion of the length of the damping        member such that the damping region of the damping member is        allowed to extend radially outward beyond the deployed diameter        of the anchoring member.

133. The device of example 132 wherein the damping member is elasticallydeformable, and is configured to deform in response to a change in bloodpressure.

134. The device of example 132 or 133 wherein, at a location along thedamping member coincident with a leading end of a pulse pressure wave,the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of thedamping member decreases in response to the pressure.

135. The device of any one of examples 132-134 wherein the lumen of thedamping member has an hourglass shape.

136. The device of any one of examples 132-135 wherein the anchoringmember is an expandable stent.

137. The device of any one of examples 132-136 wherein the anchoringmember is an expandable mesh.

138. The device of any one of examples 132-137 wherein the anchoringmember is at least one of an expandable stent and an expandable mesh.

139. The device of any one of examples 132-138 wherein the anchoringmember is positioned around a circumference of the damping member.

140. The device of any one of examples 132-139 wherein at least aportion of the anchoring member is positioned within the damping memberand extends through at least a portion of the thickness of the sidewall.

141. The device of any one of examples 132-140 wherein the dampingregion is a first damping region, and wherein the damping memberincludes a plurality of damping regions between the first and second endportions.

142. The device of any one of examples 132-141 wherein the anchoringmember includes a plurality of fixation devices extending radiallyoutwardly from the outer surface of the damping device.

143. The device of any one of examples 132-142 wherein the device isconfigured to be positioned at a treatment site within the left commoncarotid artery.

144. The device of any one of examples 132-142 wherein the device isconfigured to be positioned at a treatment site within the right commoncarotid artery.

145. The device of any one of examples 132-144 wherein the device isconfigured to treat Alzheimer's disease.

146. The device of any one of examples 132-145 wherein the device isconfigured to reduce the occurrence of microbleeds in portions of theblood vessel downstream from the treatment site.

147. A device for treating dementia, comprising:

-   -   a flexible, compliant damping member configured to be        intravascularly positioned within an artery at a treatment site,        the damping member being transformable between a low-profile        state for delivery to the treatment site and an expanded state,        wherein the damping member includes a generally tubular sidewall        having (a) an outer surface, (b) an inner surface defining a        lumen configured to direct blood flow, (c) a first end        portion, (d) a second end portion opposite the first end portion        along the length of the damping member, and (e) a damping region        between the first and second end portions, wherein the inner        surface and outer surface are spaced apart by a distance that is        greater at the damping region than at either of the first or        second end portions; and    -   a first anchoring member coupled to the first end portion of the        damping member and a second anchoring member coupled to the        second end portion of the damping member, wherein the first and        second anchoring members, in a deployed state, extend radially        to a deployed diameter configured to contact a portion of the        blood vessel wall at the treatment site, thereby securing the        damping member at the treatment site, and    -   wherein, when blood flows through the damping member during        systole, the damping member absorbs a portion of the pulsatile        energy of the blood, thereby reducing a magnitude of a pulse        pressure transmitted to a portion of the blood vessel distal to        the damping device.

148. A device for treating a blood vessel, comprising:

-   -   an anchoring system having a first portion and a second portion        which is spaced apart from the first portion in a first        direction; and    -   a cushioning member located between the first and second        portions of the anchoring system such that movement of a portion        of the cushioning member in a second direction, which is        orthogonal to the first direction, is not constrained by the        anchoring system, and wherein the cushioning member is        configured to absorb pulsatile energy transmitted by blood        flowing with the vessel.

149. The device of example 148 wherein the cushioning member iselastically deformable and is configured to expand in response to anincrease of blood pressure within the vessel, and relax as the bloodpressure within the vessel subsequently decreases.

150. A device for treating a blood vessel, comprising:

-   -   an endovascular cushioning device having a proximal anchor and a        distal anchor which is spaced apart from the proximal anchor,        each of the proximal and distal anchors being configured to abut        against an inner wall of a major artery; and    -   an elastically deformable member extending between the proximal        and distal anchors,    -   wherein the elastically deformable member is configured to        expand in response to an increase of blood pressure within the        vessel, and relax as the blood pressure within the vessel        subsequently decreases.

151. The device of example 150 wherein a portion of the elasticallydeformable membrane located longitudinally between the proximal anddistal anchors defines a region of reduced internal cross-sectional arearelative to the proximal and distal anchors when the elasticallydeformable membrane is radially relaxed.

152. The device of example 150 or example 151 wherein the proximal anddistal anchors are each radially expandable between a first diameterbefore deployment and a second diameter after deployment.

153. The device of any one of examples 150-152, further comprising oneor more threads secured to the proximal anchor.

154. The device of example 153 wherein each thread is secured to aneyelet.

155. A device for treating an artery selected from a left common carotidartery, a right common carotid artery, a brachiocephalic artery, theascending aorta, an internal carotid artery, or an abdominal aorta, thedevice comprising:

-   -   a wrap fabricated from an elastically deformable material, and    -   an engagement formation adapted to secure two opposing edges of        the wrap around the artery,    -   wherein the elastically deformable material is configured to        radially expand during a systole stage and radially contract        during a diastole stage.

156. The device of example 155 wherein, when the wrap is in positionaround the artery, the wrap entirely or substantially entirely surroundsthe artery over a portion of its length.

157. The device of example 155 wherein the engagement formation includessutures and/or staples.

158. The device of example 155 wherein the engagement formation includesa zip lock.

159. A device for treating a left common carotid artery, a right commoncarotid artery, a brachiocephalic artery, or an ascending aorta, thedevice comprising:

-   -   a proximal anchor configured to be wrapped around the artery;    -   a distal anchor configured to be wrapped around the artery and        longitudinally spaced relative to the proximal anchor; and    -   a helical band adapted to be wound around the artery, the        helical band having a first end securable to the proximal anchor        and an opposing second end securable to the distal anchor,        wherein the helical band is adapted to radially expand during a        systole stage and radially contract during a diastole stage.

160. The device of example 159 wherein the first end of the helical bandis secured to the proximal anchor and the second end of the helical bandis secured to the distal anchor.

161. A device for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   a damping member comprising a deformable, generally tubular        sidewall having an outer surface and an inner surface that is        undulating in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the sidewall        is configured to be positioned in apposition with a blood vessel        wall to absorb pulsatile energy transmitted by blood flowing        through the blood vessel.

162. The device of example 161 wherein the damping member is configuredto be positioned in apposition with at least one of a left commoncarotid artery, a right common carotid artery, and a brachiocephalicartery.

163. The device of example 161 wherein the damping member is configuredto be positioned in apposition with an ascending aorta.

164. The device of any one of examples 161-163 wherein the dampingmember is configured to be positioned in apposition with an innersurface of the blood vessel wall.

165. The device of any one of examples 161-163 wherein the dampingmember is configured to be positioned in apposition with an outersurface of the blood vessel wall.

166. The device of any one of examples 161-165 wherein the sidewall hasan inner diameter, and, when the damping member is in a deployed state,the inner diameter increases then decreases in an axial direction.

167. The device of any one of examples 161-166 wherein thecross-sectional area decreases then increases in longitudinal direction.

168. The device of any one of examples 161-167 wherein the outer surfacehas a generally cylindrical shape.

169. The device of any one of examples 161-167 wherein the outer surfacehas an undulating shape.

170. The device of any one of examples 161-169, further comprising ananchoring member coupled to the damping member and axially aligned withonly a portion of the damping member, wherein the anchoring member isconfigured to engage the blood vessel wall and secure the damping memberto the blood vessel wall.

171. The device of example 170 wherein the anchoring member is a firstanchoring member and the device further comprises a second anchoringmember coupled to the damping member, and wherein the second anchoringmember:

-   -   is axially aligned with only a portion of the damping member,        and    -   is spaced apart from the first anchoring member along the        longitudinal axis of the damping member.

172. The device of any one of examples 161-171 wherein, when the dampingmember is positioned adjacent the blood vessel wall, the damping memberdoes not constrain the diameter of the blood vessel wall.

173. A device for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   an elastic member which is configured to abut an arterial wall        and form a generally tubular structure having an inner diameter,        an outer diameter, an outer surface, and an undulating inner        surface, and wherein at least one of the outer diameter and the        inner diameter increases and decreases in response to an        increase and a decrease in pulse pressure within the blood        vessel, respectively.

174. The device of example 173 wherein the elastic member is configuredto be positioned in apposition with at least one of a left commoncarotid artery, a right common carotid artery, and a brachiocephalicartery.

175. The device of example 173 wherein the elastic member is configuredto be positioned in apposition with an ascending aorta.

176. The device of any one of examples 173-175 wherein the elasticmember is configured to be positioned in apposition with an innersurface of the blood vessel wall.

177. The device of any one of examples 173-175 wherein the elasticmember is configured to be positioned in apposition with an outersurface of the blood vessel wall.

178. The device of any one of examples 173-177 wherein the sidewall hasan inner diameter, and, when the elastic member is in a deployed state,the inner diameter increases then decreases in an axial direction.

179. The device of any one of examples 173-178 wherein thecross-sectional area decreases then increases in longitudinal direction.

180. The device of any one of examples 173-179 wherein the outer surfacehas a generally cylindrical shape.

181. The device of any one of examples 173-179 wherein the outer surfacehas an undulating shape.

182. The device of any one of examples 173-181, further comprising ananchoring member coupled to the elastic member and axially aligned withonly a portion of the elastic member, wherein the anchoring member isconfigured to engage the blood vessel wall and secure the elastic memberto the blood vessel wall.

183. The device of example 182 wherein the anchoring member is a firstanchoring member and the device further comprises a second anchoringmember coupled to the elastic member, and wherein the second anchoringmember:

-   -   is axially aligned with only a portion of the elastic member,        and    -   is spaced apart from the first anchoring member along the        longitudinal axis of the elastic member.

184. The device of any one of examples 173 to 23 wherein, when theelastic member is positioned adjacent the blood vessel wall, the elasticmember does not constrain the diameter of the blood vessel wall.

185. The device of any one of examples 173-184 wherein the dampingmember or elastic member has a low-profile state and a deployed state.

186. The device of example 185 wherein the deployed state is fordelivery to a treatment site at a blood vessel wall.

187. The device of example 185 or 186 wherein the damping member orelastic member has a first, lesser outer diameter when in thelow-profile state and a second, greater diameter when in the deployedstate.

188. A device for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   a damping member including an abating substance, wherein the        damping member forms a generally tubular structure having an        axis, wherein the abating substance is able to move axially        relative to the tubular structure, and wherein the damping        member is configured to be positioned along the circumference of        an artery such that, when a pulse wave traveling through the        artery applies a stress at a first axial location along the        length of the tubular structure, at least a portion of the        abating substance moves away from the first location to a second        axial location along the length of the tubular structure.

189. The device of example 188, wherein the abating substance comprisesa quantity of a fluid and/or gel comprising particles, contained withina flexible member, and the particles may move axially relative to thetubular structure within the flexible member.

190. The device of example 189 wherein the flexible member may, at atleast some locations along the length of the tubular structure, bedeformed radially with respect to the tubular structure.

191. The device of any one of examples 188-190, further comprising astructural element coupled to the damping member.

192. The device of any one of examples 188-191 wherein, in a deployedstate, the damping member is configured to wrap around at least aportion of the circumference of the artery.

193. The device of example 192 wherein the damping member includes abreak along its length, to allow it to be fitted around the portion ofthe circumference of the artery.

194. The device of example 193, further comprising cooperating sealingarrangements located on or near opposing edges of the break, to allowthe edges to be joined together once the damping member has been fittedaround the portion of the circumference of the artery.

195. The device of any one of examples 188-194 wherein, in a deployedstate, the device has a pre-set helical configuration.

196. The device of any one of examples 188-195 wherein the dampingmember includes a liquid.

197. The device of any one of examples 188-196 wherein the dampingmember includes a gas.

198. The device of any one of examples 188-197 wherein the dampingmember includes a gel.

199. The device of any one of examples 188-198 wherein the dampingmember, in a deployed configuration, is configured to be positioned inapposition with an outer surface of the arterial wall.

200. The device of any one of examples 188-199 wherein the dampingmember, in a deployed configuration, is configured to be positionedaround the arterial wall such that an inner surface of the dampingmember is in contact with blood flowing through the artery.

201. A device for treating or slowing the effects of dementia,comprising:

-   -   wherein the fluid particles are able to move axially along at        least a part of the length of the damping structure, the damping        member being configured to be positioned along the circumference        of an artery at a treatment site along a length of the artery,    -   wherein, when the damping member is in a deployed configuration        and positioned at the treatment site, a wavefront traveling        through the length of the artery redistributes at least a        portion of the fluid particles along the length of the damping        member such that the inner diameter of the damping member        increases at the axial location along the damping member aligned        with the wavefront while the inner diameter of the damping        member at another axial location along the damping member        decreases.

202. The device of example 201 wherein the fluid particles are containedwithin a flexible member, and the particles may move along the length ofthe damping member within the flexible member.

203. The device of example 202 wherein the flexible member may, at atleast some locations along the length of the damping member, be deformedradially with respect to the damping member.

204. The device of any one of examples 201-203, further comprising astructural element coupled to the damping member.

205. The device of any one of examples 201-204 wherein, in the deployedstate, the damping member is configured to wrap around at least aportion of the circumference of the artery.

206. The device of example 205 wherein the damping member includes abreak along its length, to allow it to be fitted around the portion ofthe circumference of the artery.

207. The device of example 206, further comprising cooperating sealingarrangements located on or near opposing edges of the break, to allowthe edges to be joined together once the damping member has been fittedaround the portion of the circumference of the artery.

208. The device of any one of examples 201-207 wherein, in the deployedstate, the device has a pre-set helical configuration.

209. The device of any one of examples 201-208 wherein the dampingmember includes a liquid.

210. The device of any one of examples 201-209 wherein the dampingmember includes a gas.

211. The device of any one of examples 201-210 wherein the dampingmember includes a gel.

212. The device of any one of examples 201-211 wherein the dampingmember, in the deployed configuration, is configured to be positioned inapposition with an outer surface of the arterial wall.

213. The device of any one of examples 201-212 wherein the dampingmember, in the deployed configuration, is configured to be positionedaround the arterial wall such that an inner surface of the dampingmember is in contact with blood flowing through the artery.

214. The device of any one of examples 201-213 wherein the dampingmember has a low profile configuration and a deployed configuration.

V. CONCLUSION

Although many of the embodiments are described above with respect tosystems, devices, and methods for treating and/or slowing theprogression of vascular and/or age-related dementia via intravascularmethods, the technology is applicable to other applications and/or otherapproaches, such as surgical implantation of one or more damping devicesand/or treatment of blood vessels other than arterial blood vesselssupplying blood to the brain, such as the abdominal aorta. Anyappropriate site within a blood vessel may be treated including, forexample, the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the brachiocephalicartery, the right subclavian artery, the left subclavian artery, theleft common carotid artery, the right common carotid artery, theinternal and external carotid arteries, and/or branches of any of theforegoing. Moreover, other embodiments in addition to those describedherein are within the scope of the technology. Additionally, severalother embodiments of the technology can have different configurations,components, or procedures than those described herein. A person ofordinary skill in the art, therefore, will accordingly understand thatthe technology can have other embodiments with additional elements, orthe technology can have other embodiments without several of thefeatures shown and described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-19B.

The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the technology are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise formdisclosed above. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms mayalso include the plural or singular term, respectively. Althoughspecific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are describedabove for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications arepossible within the scope of the technology, as those skilled in therelevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in agiven order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a differentorder. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined toprovide further embodiments.

Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only asingle item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of twoor more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpretedas including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items inthe list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally,the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least therecited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same featureand/or additional types of other features are not precluded. It willalso be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described hereinfor purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be madewithout deviating from the technology. Further, while advantagesassociated with certain embodiments of the technology have beendescribed in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments mayalso exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarilyexhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology.Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompassother embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A dementia treatment and/or slowing devicecomprising: a damping member including an abating substance, the dampingmember having a low-profile configuration and a deployed configuration,wherein, when the damping member is in the deployed configuration, thedamping member has an uninterrupted helical shape extending from a firstend to a second end of the damping member and forms a generally tubularstructure configured to be positioned in direct contact with an arterysuch that, when a pulse wave traveling through the artery applies astress at a first axial location along a length of the tubularstructure, at least a portion of the abating substance moves away fromthe first location and to a second axial location positioned along thelength of the tubular structure.
 2. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a structural element coupled to the damping member.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein, in the deployed state, the damping member isconfigured to wrap around at least a portion of a circumference of theartery.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the uninterrupted helical shapeof the damping member is formed via heat setting.
 5. The device of claim1 wherein the damping member includes a liquid.
 6. The device of claim 1wherein the damping member includes a gas.
 7. The device of claim 1wherein the damping member includes a gel.
 8. The device of claim 1wherein the damping member, in the deployed configuration, is configuredto be positioned in apposition with a portion of an outer surface of awall of the artery.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein the damping member,in the deployed configuration, is configured to be positioned around aportion of an outer surface of a wall of the artery such that an innersurface of the damping member is in contact with blood flowing throughthe artery.
 10. A dementia treatment and/or slowing device comprising: adamping member including a plurality of generally non-compressible fluidparticles, the damping member having a low-profile configuration and adeployed pre-set helical configuration, wherein, when the damping memberis in the deployed pre-set helical configuration, the damping membercomprises a single helical portion extending from a first end of thedamping member to a second end of the damping member and is in directcontact with a circumference of an artery at a treatment site along alength of the artery, wherein, when the damping member is in a deployedpre-set helical configuration and positioned at the treatment site, awavefront traveling through the length of the artery redistributes atleast a portion of the fluid particles along a length of the dampingmember such that a first inner diameter of the damping member increasesat a first axial location along the damping member that is aligned withthe wavefront, while a second inner diameter of the damping member at asecond axial location along the damping member decreases; wherein, inthe deployed pre-set helical configuration, the damping member isconfigured to externally wrap around at least a portion of thecircumference of the artery.
 11. The device of claim 10, furthercomprising a structural element coupled to the damping member.
 12. Thedevice of claim 10 wherein, the single helical portion is formed viaheat setting.
 13. The device of claim 10 wherein the damping memberincludes a liquid.
 14. The device of claim 10 wherein the damping memberincludes a gas.
 15. The device of claim 10 wherein the damping memberincludes a gel.
 16. The device of claim 10 wherein the damping member,in the deployed configuration, is configured to be positioned inapposition with an outer surface of the artery.
 17. A method of treatingor slowing the effects of dementia, comprising: positioning a helicaldamping member in direct contact with a length of an artery, the dampingmember including an abating substance; and in response to a pulse wavetraveling through blood in the artery, redistributing at least a portionof the abating substance along a length of the damping member, therebyattenuating at least some energy of the pulse wave in the blood.
 18. Amethod of treating or slowing the effects of dementia, comprising:positioning a damping member having a pre-set helical configurationalong a length of an artery, the damping member having a helical portionextending from a first end of the damping member to a second end of thedamping member, the helical portion in direct contact with a wall of theartery, the damping member including a plurality of generallynon-compressible fluid particles; and moving a portion of the fluidparticles away from an axial location along the damping member that isaligned with a wavefront of a pulse wave traveling through the blood inthe artery, thereby increasing an inner diameter of the damping member.19. A dementia treatment and/or slowing device comprising: a dampingmember having a pre-set helical configuration comprising: a deformable,generally tubular sidewall arranged as a continuous helix from a firstend to a second end of the damping member and having an outer surfaceand an inner surface that undulates in a longitudinal direction, andwherein the sidewall is configured to be positioned in direct contactwith a blood vessel wall to absorb pulsatile energy transmitted by bloodflowing through the blood vessel; wherein the outer surface has agenerally cylindrical shape; wherein a longitudinal distance between afirst end and a second end of the device remains generally constantduring absorption of pulsatile energy; and wherein the damping memberhas a low profile state and a deployed state, wherein the sidewall hasan inner diameter, and, when the damping member is in the deployedstate, the inner diameter increases in an axial direction and thendecreases in the axial direction.
 20. The device of claim 19 wherein thedamping member is configured to be positioned in apposition with atleast one of a left common carotid artery, a right common carotidartery, and a brachiocephalic artery.
 21. The device of claim 19 whereinthe damping member is configured to be positioned in apposition with anascending aorta.
 22. The device of claim 19 wherein the damping memberis configured to be positioned in apposition with an inner surface ofthe blood vessel wall.
 23. The device of claim 19 wherein the dampingmember is configured to be positioned in apposition with an outersurface of the blood vessel wall.
 24. The device of claim 19 wherein theouter surface has an undulating shape.
 25. The device of claim 19,further comprising an anchoring member coupled to the damping memberthat is axially aligned with a portion of the damping member, whereinthe anchoring member is configured to engage the blood vessel wall andsecure the damping member to the blood vessel wall.
 26. The device ofclaim 25 wherein the anchoring member is a first anchoring member andthe device further comprises a second anchoring member coupled to thedamping member, and wherein the second anchoring member: is axiallyaligned with a portion of the damping member, and is spaced apart fromthe first anchoring member along the longitudinal axis of the dampingmember.
 27. The device of claim 19 wherein, when the damping member ispositioned adjacent the blood vessel wall, the damping member does notconstrain the diameter of the blood vessel wall.
 28. A dementiatreatment and/or slowing device comprising: a damping member having apre-set helical configuration comprising a deformable, generally tubularsidewall arranged as a continuous helix from a first end to a second endof the damping member and having an outer surface and an inner surfacethat undulates in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the sidewall isconfigured to be positioned in direct contact with a blood vessel wallto absorb pulsatile energy transmitted by blood flowing through theblood vessel; wherein the outer surface has a generally cylindricalshape; wherein a longitudinal distance between a first end and a secondend of the device remains generally constant during absorption ofpulsatile energy; and wherein a cross-sectional area of the devicedecreases in a longitudinal direction then increases in the longitudinaldirection.
 29. A dementia treatment and/or slowing device, comprising:an elastic member having a first end, a second end opposite the firstend along a longitudinal axis of the elastic member, and a continuoushelical portion extending from the first end to the second end, theelastic member configured to directly abut an arterial wall of a bloodvessel and form a generally tubular structure having an inner diameter,an outer diameter, an outer surface, and an undulating inner surface,wherein at least one of the outer diameter and the inner diameterincreases and decreases in response to an increase and a decrease inpulse pressure within the blood vessel, respectively, wherein the outersurface has a generally cylindrical shape, and wherein the elasticmember has low-profile state for delivery to a treatment site at theblood vessel wall, and a deployed state, and wherein, when the elasticmember is in the deployed state, the inner diameter increases in anaxial direction and then decreases in the axial direction.
 30. Thedevice of claim 29 wherein the elastic member is configured to bepositioned in apposition with at least one of a left common carotidartery, a right common carotid artery, and a brachiocephalic artery. 31.The device of claim 29 wherein the elastic member is configured to bepositioned in apposition with an ascending aorta.
 32. The device ofclaim 29 wherein the elastic member is configured to be positioned inapposition with an inner surface of the blood vessel wall.
 33. Thedevice of claim 29 wherein the elastic member is configured to bepositioned in apposition with the outer surface of the blood vesselwall.
 34. The device of claim 29 wherein the outer surface has anundulating shape.
 35. The device of claim 29, further comprising ananchoring member coupled to the elastic member that is axially alignedwith a portion of the elastic member, wherein the anchoring member isconfigured to engage the blood vessel wall and secure the elastic memberto the blood vessel wall.
 36. The device of claim 35 wherein theanchoring member is a first anchoring member and the device furthercomprises a second anchoring member coupled to the elastic member, andwherein the second anchoring member: is axially aligned with a portionof the elastic member, and is spaced apart from the first anchoringmember along the longitudinal axis of the elastic member.
 37. The deviceof claim 29 wherein, when the elastic member is positioned adjacent theblood vessel wall, the elastic member does not constrain a diameter ofthe blood vessel wall.
 38. The device of claim 29 wherein the elasticmember has a first, lesser outer diameter when in the low-profile stateand a second, greater diameter when in the deployed state.
 39. Adementia treatment and/or slowing device, comprising: an elastic memberhaving a first end, a second end opposite the first end along alongitudinal axis of the elastic member, and a continuous helicalportion extending from the first end to the second end, the elasticmember configured to directly abut an arterial wall of a blood vesseland form a generally tubular structure having an inner diameter, anouter diameter, an outer surface, and an undulating inner surface,wherein at least one of the outer diameter and the inner diameterincreases and decreases in response to an increase and a decrease inpulse pressure within the blood vessel, respectively, wherein the outersurface has a generally cylindrical shape, and wherein a cross-sectionalarea of the device decreases in a longitudinal direction and thenincreases in the longitudinal direction.
 40. A dementia treatment and/orslowing device comprising: a damping member having a first end, a secondend opposite the first end, and a pre-set helical portion extending fromthe first end to the second end and including an abating substance,wherein the damping member forms a generally tubular structure having anaxis, wherein the abating substance is able to move axially through thedamping member relative to the tubular structure, and wherein thedamping member is configured to be positioned along a circumference ofan artery such that the pre-set helical portion is in direct contactwith a wall of the artery and, when a pulse wave traveling through theartery applies a stress at a first axial location along a length of thetubular structure, at least a portion of the abating substance movesaway from the first axial location to a second axial location along thelength of the tubular structure.
 41. The device of claim 40, wherein theabating substance comprises one or more particles comprising a fluidand/or a gel that are contained within a flexible member, wherein theone or more particles move axially relative to the tubular structurewithin the flexible member.
 42. The device of claim 41 wherein theflexible member may, at least some locations along the length of thetubular structure, be deformed radially with respect to the tubularstructure.
 43. The device of claim 40, further comprising a structuralelement coupled to the damping member.
 44. The device of claim 40wherein, in a deployed state, the damping member is configured to wraparound at least a portion of the circumference of the artery.
 45. Thedevice of claim 44 wherein the damping member includes a break along itslength, wherein the break is configured to allow the damping member tobe fitted around the portion of the circumference of the artery.
 46. Thedevice of claim 45, further comprising cooperating sealing arrangementslocated on or near opposing edges of the break, wherein the cooperatingsealing arrangements are configured to allow edges of the damping memberto be joined together after the damping member has been fitted aroundthe portion of the circumference of the artery.
 47. The device of claim40 wherein, in a deployed state, the pre-set helical portion is a heatedpre-set helical portion.
 48. The device of claim 40 wherein the dampingmember includes a liquid.
 49. The device of claim 40 wherein the dampingmember includes a gas.
 50. The device of claim 40 wherein the dampingmember includes a gel.
 51. The device of claim 40 wherein when thedamping member is in a deployed state, the damping member is configuredto be positioned in apposition with an outer surface of a wall of theartery.
 52. The device of claim 40 wherein when the damping member is ina deployed state, the damping member is configured to be positionedaround a wall of the artery such that an inner surface of the dampingmember is in contact with blood flowing through the artery.
 53. Adementia treatment and/or slowing device comprising: a damping memberhaving first end, a second end opposite the first end along alongitudinal axis, and a helical body extending from the first end tothe second end, the damping member including a plurality of fluidparticles; wherein the fluid particles are generally non-compressibleand move axially along at least a portion of a length of the dampingmember, the damping member configured to be in direct contact with awall of an artery at a treatment site along a length of the artery,wherein, when the damping member is positioned at the treatment site, awavefront traveling through the length of the artery redistributes atleast a portion of the fluid particles along the length of the dampingmember such that an inner diameter of the damping member increases at afirst axial location along the damping member that is aligned with thewavefront while the inner diameter of the damping member at a secondaxial location along the damping member decreases.
 54. The device ofclaim 53 wherein the fluid particles are contained within a flexiblemember, and the fluid particles are configured to move along a length ofthe damping member that is located within the flexible member.
 55. Thedevice of claim 54 wherein the flexible member may, at least in somelocations along the length of the damping member, be deformed radiallywith respect to the damping member.
 56. The device of claim 53, furthercomprising a structural element coupled to the damping member.
 57. Thedevice of claim 53 wherein, in the deployed configuration, the dampingmember is configured to wrap around at least a portion of thecircumference of the artery.
 58. The device of claim 57 wherein thedamping member includes a break along its length, wherein the break isconfigured to allow the damping member to be fitted around the portionof the circumference of the artery.
 59. The device of claim 58, furthercomprising cooperating sealing arrangements located on or near opposingedges of the break wherein the cooperating sealing arrangements areconfigured to allow the edges of the damping member to be joinedtogether after the damping member has been fitted around the portion ofthe circumference of the artery.
 60. The device of claim 53 wherein thehelical body is formed by wrapping the damping member about a mandreland heat setting the damping member.
 61. The device of claim 53 whereinthe damping member includes a liquid.
 62. The device of claim 53 whereinthe damping member includes a gas.
 63. The device of claim 53 whereinthe damping member includes a gel.
 64. The device of claim 53 whereinthe damping member is configured to be positioned in apposition with anouter surface of the arterial wall when the damping member is in thedeployed configuration.
 65. The device of claim 53 wherein the dampingmember is configured to be positioned around the arterial wall such thatan inner surface of the damping member is in contact with blood flowingthrough the artery in the deployed configuration.